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LLINOIS 

State  Geological  Survey 


ILLINOIS  STATE  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 


3  3051  00000  2125 


STATE  OF  ILLINOIS 

DEPARTMENT  OF  REGISTRATION  AND  EDUCATION 

A.  M.  SHELTON,  Director 

DIVISION  OF  THE 
STATE  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 

M.  M.  LEIGHTON,  Chief 


BULLETIN  No.  50 


NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SAND  RESOURCES 
OF  ILLINOIS 


BY 


M.  S.  LITTLEFIELD 


Laboratory  Tests  in  Cooperation  with  the  Engineering  Experiment 
Station,  University  of  Illinois 


GEOtOGVC^ 


s^r& 


PRINTED  BY  AUTHORITY  OF  THE  STATE  OF  ILLINOIS 


URBANA,  ILLINOIS 
1925 


STATE  OF  ILLINOIS 

DEPARTMENT  OF  REGISTRATION  AND  EDUCATION 

A.  M.  SHELTON,  Director 

DIVISION  OF  THE 
STATE  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY 

M.  M.  LEIGHTON,  Chief 


Committee  of  the  Board  of  Natural  Resources 
and  Conservation 

A.  M.  Shelton,  Chairman 

Director  of  Registration  and  Education 

Kendric  C.  Babcock 

Representing  the  President  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Illinois 

Edson  S.  Bastin 
Geologist 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign 


http://archive.org/details/naturalbondedmol50litt 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Chapter  I — Introduction 13 

State's  production 13 

Available  information 16 

Molding  sand  investigation  program 16 

Purpose  of  the  report 16 

Methods  of  investigation 16 

Field  work 16 

Area  covered 16 

Estimation  of  extent  of  deposits 17 

Sampling  methods .  17 

Laboratory  work 17 

Resources  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand 18 

Status  of  the  Illinois  sand  producer 18 

Acknowledgments 19 

Chapter  II — Physical  properties  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand 20 

Definition  of  molding  sand 20 

Importance  of  sampling  methods 20 

Fineness 20 

Definition 21 

Relative  fineness 21 

Size  grade  distribution 21 

Standard  Fineness  Test 21 

Graphical  representation  of  fineness  data 22 

Relation  of  fineness  to  other  physical  properties 22 

Bond  strength 22 

Function 22 

Contributing  factors 23 

Clay 23 

Grain  surface 23 

Surface  tension  of  water  film  on  crystalline  grains 23 

Need  for  study  of  determining  factors , 24 

Standard  Bond-Strength  Test .  .  : 24 

Relation  of  clay  and  silt  to  bond  strength 30 

Relation  of  clay  and  silt  content  to  optimum  water  content  for  bond  strength  32 

Durability 32 

Value  of  testing 32 

Standard  Durability  Test 33 

Results 33 

Need  for  further  study 33 

Permeability 34 

Function 34 

Standard  Permeability  Test 34 

Influencing  factors 41 

Dye  adsorption 41 

Value  of  testing 41 

Standard  Dye  Adsorption  Test 41 

Results 43 

5 


CONTENTS— Continued 

PAGE 

Base  permeability 43 

Function 43 

Standard  Base-Permeability  Test 44 

Factors  determining  base  permeability 44 

Size  grade  distribution 44 

Sand-silt  mixture 44 

Shape  of  grain 45 

Relation  of  relative  fineness  to  bond  strength  and  permeability 49 

Relation  of  relative  fineness  to  optimum  water  content 49 

Relation  of  size  grade  distribution  to  bond  strength  and  permeability 50 

Color 51 

Refractoriness 51 

Chemical  composition ; 53 

Chapter  III — Origin  and  geology  of  molding  sands 54 

Practical  value  of  geologic  study 54 

Scope  of  discussion 54 

Age  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands  of  Illinois 54 

Conditions  during  Pleistocene  period 54 

Processes  of  accumulation  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand 55 

Disruption 55 

Transportation 56 

Sorting  effect 56 

Deposition 56 

Sorting  by  agents  of  deposition 56 

Glacial 56 

Fluvial 56 

Eolian 57 

Processes  active  after  accumulation  of  sands 57 

Formation  of  clay  bond  by  weathering 57 

Description  of  clayey  bands 59 

Conditions  of  formation  of  clayey  bands 59 

Age  of  deposit 59 

Presence  of  overlying  soil 60 

Topographic  position 60 

Process  of  formation 60 

Geologic  classification  of  molding  sand  deposits 60 

Alluvial  deposits ,  .  .  .  .  61 

Loess '."/.  .....  61 

Windblown  slope  mantles ,. 62 

Old  dunes  on  terraces 62 

Old  dunes  on  uplands 63 

Stream  terraces 64 

Fluvio-glacial  deposits 64 

Relation  between  physical  properties  and  origin 66 

Fineness 66 

Bond  strength 67 

I  )urability 67 

Permeability 68 

Dye  adsorption 68 

Base  permeability 68 

(  olor 68 

6 


CONTENTS— Continued 

PAGE 

Refractoriness 69 

Physical  properties  of  sands  of  similar  origin 69 

Bearing  of  origin  on  problem  of  classification 69 

Chapter  IV — Prospecting,  producing,  and  marketing 70 

Introduction 70 

Factors  influencing  value  of  deposits .  .  • 70 

Prospecting  methods 70 

Production  methods  and  equipment 71 

Excavation 71 

Mulling  machinery 73 

Relation  between  methods  of  production  and  quality  of  sand  produced 73 

Methods  of  operating  pit 73 

Mixing 74 

Summary 74 

Chapter  V — Classification  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands  into  types 75 

Basis  on  fineness  and  color 75 

Types  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand  defined 75 

Type  1 75 

Type  II 85 

Type  III 85 

Characteristic  Type  relations 86 

Relation  of  optimum  water  content  to  Type 86 

Relation  of  origin  to  Type 87 

Conformity  of  origin  and  Type 89 

Relation  of  clay  content  to  natural  permeability  by  Types 91 

Relation  of  silt  content  to  natural  and  base  permeability  by  Types. 91 

Relation  of  base  to  natural   permeability  by  Types 91 

Relation  of  durability  to  Types 93 

Importance  and  use  of  Type  classification  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands 94 

Chapter  VI — County  reports  and  results  of  tests 95 

Introduction 95 

Review  of  kinds  of  deposits 95 

Alluvium 95 

Loess 95 

Slope-mantle  deposits 98 

Soil-covered  dunes 99 

Stream-terrace  deposits 99 

Fluvio-glacial  deposits 99 

Adams  County 99 

Alexander  County 100 

Bond  and  Fayette  counties 100 

Boone  County 106 

Bureau  County 107 

Carroll  County 109 

Cass  County 109 

Cook  County 1 

De  Kalb  County 1 

Du  Page  County 1 

Gallatin  County 1 

Grundy  County 1 

Hancock  and  Henderson  counties 1 

Henry  County 1 

7 


CONTENTS— Continued 

PAGE 

Jackson  County 117 

Jo  Daviess  County 117 

Kane  County 118 

Kendall  County .  .  . 121 

Lake  County 122 

La  Salle  County 122 

Lawrence  County 125 

Lee  County 126 

McHenry  County 126 

Madison  County 127 

Marshall  County 128 

Ogle  County 130 

Peoria  County 132 

Pope  County 133 

Pulaski  County 135 

Randolph  County 135 

Rock  Island  County 135 

Sangamon  County 139 

St.  Clair  County I 139 

Tazewell  County 140 

Vermilion  County 140 

White  County 141 

Whiteside  County 141 

Will  County 145 

Winnebago  County 147 

Location  and  summary  description  of  tested  samples  of  molding  sand  deposits.  .  .  .  148 

Adams 148 

Bond 149 

Boone 149 

Bureau 150 

Cass 150 

Clinton , 151 

Cook 151 

Fayette 151 

Gallatin 152 

Hancock 152 

Henderson 153 

Henry 153 

Jackson 154 

Jo  Daviess 155 

Kane 155 

Kendall 1 56 

La  Salle 156 

Lawrence 156 

Madison 156 

.Marshall 156 

McHenry 157 

Ogle 157 

Peoria 157 

Pope 158 

Pulaski 159 

Randolph 159 

Rock  Island 159 

8 


CONTENTS— Continued 

PAGE 

Sangamon 160 

St.  Clair 160 

Shelby 160 

Tazewell 160 

White 161 

Whiteside 161 

Will 161 

Winnebago 162 

"Foreign"  molding  sands  used  in  Illinois 162 

Results  of  tests 163 

Classification  of  undeveloped  deposits  of  Illinois  natural-bonded  molding  sand .  163 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

FIGURE  PAGE 

1.  Mold  box  parts  for  bond  test 25 

2.  Constant-speed  motor  pulling  device  for  breaking  bond  test  bars 26 

3.  Assembled  mold  box,  screen,  and  rammer  block  for  bond  test 27 

4.  Showing  method  of  leveling  sand  in  mold  box  using  graduated  strikes  of  gradu- 

ated depth 28 

5.  Showing  method  of  assembling  mold  box  after  sand  has  been  riddled  in  box 28 

6.  Rammer  block  for  bond  test 29 

7.  Ramming  apparatus  for  compressing  sand  in  mold  box  for  bond  test 29 

8.  Permeability  testing  apparatus 35 

9.  Parallel  perspective  drawing  of  permeability  testing  apparatus 36 

10.  Ramming  device  for  permeability  test 37 

11.  Drawing  of  ramming  device  for  permeability  test 38 

12.  Color  comparison  tube  holder  with  tubes  in  place 42 

13.  Microphotograph  of  average  Illinois  sand,  70-mesh 46 

14.  Microphotograph  of  silt, — 270-mesh 46 

15.  Microphotograph  of  Ottawa  silica  sand,  40-  and  70-mesh 47 

16.  Microphotograph  of  Ottawa  silica  sand,  100-mesh 47 

17.  Microphotograph  of  Albany  sand,  100-mesh 48 

18.  Microphotograph  of  Ottawa  silica  sand,  200-mesh 48 

19.  Microphotograph  of  average  Illinois  sand,  200-mesh 49 

20.  Clayey  bands  in  sand  deposits,  Homberg,  Pope  County 58 

21.  Loess  ridge  near  Collinsville,  Madison  County 61 

22.  Topography  of  slope-mantle  deposit,  Madison  County 63 

23.  Detail  of  pit  section  of  fluvio-glacial  deposit,  Bond  County 65 

24.  Pit  operated  by  hand  shoveling,  Bureau  County 71 

25.  Excavating  machine,  Winnebago  County 72 

26.  Side  view  of  excavating  machine,  Winnebago  County 72 

27.  Pit  face  operated  by  machine,  Winnebago  County 73 

28.  Fineness  pyramids  of  eight  Type  I  sands 76 

29.  Microphotographs  of  two  Type  I  sands 77 

30.  Microphotographs  of  two  Type  I  sands 78 

31.  Fineness  pyramids  of  eight  Type  II  sands 79 

32.  Microphotographs  of  two  Type  II  sands 80 

33.  Microphotographs  of  two  Type  II  sands 81 

34.  Fineness  pyramids  of  eight  Type  III  sands 82 

35.  Microphotographs  of  two  Type  III  sands 83 

36.  Microphotographs  of  two  Type  III  sands 84 

37.  Outline  map  of  Illinois  showing  the  counties  producing  the  various  Types  of 

natural-bonded  molding  sand 96 

38.  Map  of  molding  sand  deposits  of  Bond  and  Fayette  counties 101 

39.  Pit  face,  Warren  Sand  Co.,  Bond  County 104 

40.  Pit  face,  G.  Nicol  and  Son,  Bond  County 104 

41.  Map  of  molding  sand  deposits  of  Bureau  County 108 

42.  Map  of  molding  sand  deposits  of  Hancock  and  Henderson  counties 113 

43.  Map  of  molding  sand  deposits  of  McHenry,  Kane,  Cook,  Kendall,  Grundy,  and 

Will  counties 120 

44.  Map  of  La  Salle  County  showing  area  from  which  comes  silica-sand  production  123 

45.  Map  showing  molding  sand  deposits  of  Ogle  and  Winnebago  counties 129 

46.  Map  showing  molding  sand  deposits  of  Peoria  and  Tazewell  counties 131 

47.  Map  showing  molding  sand  deposits  of  Pope  County 134 

48.  Map   showing    molding  sand   deposits   of   Whiteside,    Henry,   and    Rock    Island 

counties 136 

49.  A  and  If.   Map  showing  molding  sand  deposits  on  Illinois  side  of  Wabash  Valley  142,  143 

10 


TABLES 

PAGE 

1.  Distribution  by  counties  of  foundries;  producing  molding  sand  pits;  and  samples 

collected  and  tested 13 

2.  Production  and  value  of  molding  sand  in  Illinois,  1904-1922 15 

3.  Production  of  molding  sand  in  Illinois  by  variety,  1922-1923 15 

4.  Series  of  sieves,  United  States  Bureau  of  Standards 22 

5.  Relation  of  average  clay  and  silt  percentages  to  bond  strength 31 

6.  Relation  of  optimum  water  content  for  bond  strength  to  silt  and  clay  content .  .  32 

7.  Relation  of  silt  and  clay  content  to  durability 34 

8.  Base  permeability  of  mixtures  of  various  size  grades 45 

9.  Base  permeability  of  mixtures  of  sand  and  silt 45 

10.  Base  permeability  of  size  grades  with  grains  of  contrasting  shapes 50 

11.  Average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  samples  of  same  maximum  size  grade  50 

12.  Optimum  water  content  of  samples  of  same  maximum  size  grade 51 

13.  Average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  samples  grouped  according  to  two 

highest  size  grade  percentages 52 

14.  Average  base  permeability  of  samples  grouped  according  to  the  two  size  grades 

of  highest  percentage 53 

15.  Average  fineness  of  Illinois  natural-bonded  molding  sands  grouped  by  origin.  .  .  67 

16.  Averages  of  bond  strength,  permeability,  and  dye  adsorption  of  Illinois  natural- 

bonded  molding  sands  by  groups  of  similar  origin 67 

17.  Averages  of  bond  strength  and  permeability  by  Types 75 

18.  Position  of  optimum  water  content  by  Types 86 

19.  Average  fineness  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands  grouped  by  origin 87 

20.  Average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  Illinois  natural-bonded  molding  sands 

grouped  by  origin 87 

21.  Comparison  of  average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  all  Type  I  sands  with 

similar  averages  for  the  three  origin-groups  having  Type  I  fineness 88 

22.  Comparison  of  average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  all  Type  II  sands  with 

similar  averages  for  the  three  origin-groups  having  Type  II  fineness 88 

23.  Comparison  of  average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  all  Type  III  &  sands 

with  similar  averages  for  the  origin-group  having  Type  III  &  fineness 88 

24.  Distribution  of  sands  of  similar  origin  among  the  Types 89 

25.  Relation  of  clay  percentages  to  average  natural  permeability  by  Types 90 

26.  Relation  of  silt  content  to  average  natural  and  base  permeabilities  by  Types ....  92 

27.  Relation  of  base  permeability  to  natural  permeability  by  Types 93 

28.  Durability  of  Illinois  molding  sands,  by  Types 93 

29.  Summary  of  the  kind  of  deposit  and  the  Type  of  sand  present  and  produced  by 

counties 97 

30.  Results  of  tests  on  Illinois  molding  sands 165 

31.  Results  of  tests  on  "imported"  sands  used  in  Illinois 172 

32.  Classification  of  undeveloped  molding  sand  deposits  of  Illinois 173 


11 


NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SAND  RESOURCES 

OF  ILLINOIS 

BY 

M.  S.  LITTLEFIELD 
CHAPTER  I— INTRODUCTION 

State's  Production 

The  State  of  Illinois,  by  virtue  of  its  large  number  of  foundries,  pro- 
duces a  relatively  large  amount  of  molding  sand.  The  State  ranks  fifth 
in  number  of  foundries,  and  third  in  the  production  of  molding  sand. 
Table  1  shows  the  distribution  by  counties  of  the  496  foundries  in  operation 
in  1923.1    The  latest  figures  showed  a  total  of  4902  foundries  for  the  State. 


Table  1. — Distribution,  by  counties,  of  foundries;  producing  molding  sand  pits;  and  samples 

collected  and  tested 


County 

Number 

of 
foundries 

Number  of 

producing 

molding  sand  pits 

Number  of 

samples  collected 

and  tested 

Adams 

Alexander 

17 
4 

1 

5 
1 
1 
3 
219 
4 
2 

1 

1 
2 
1 

2 

1 
6 

2 
2 
3 

2 
5 

3 

1 

1 

Bond 

Boone 

9 
1 

Bureau    

5 

Cass 

7 

Champaign 

Christian 

Clinton 

1 

Coles 

Cook 

1 

De  Kalb 

Edgar 

4 

Fayette 

7 

Ford 

Franklin 

Fulton 

Gallatin 

2 

Grundy 

Hancock 

1 

5 
1 

1 

2 

Henderson 

10 

Henry 

10 

Jackson 

1 

Jefferson 

Jo  Daviess 

3 

*Data  furnished  by  C  E.  Hoyt,  Secretary,  American  Foundrymen's  Association. 
2The  Foundry,  p.  801,  October  15,  1924. 

13 


14 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Table  1. — Distribution  by  counties  of  foundries;  producing  molding  sand  pits;  and  samples 

collected  and  tested — Concluded 


County 


Kane 

Kankakee.  .  . 

Kendall 

Knox 

Lake 

La  Salle 

Lawrence.  .  . 

Lee 

Livingston.  . 

Logan 

McDonough. 
McHenry.  .  . 
McLean.  .  .  . 

Macon 

Madison 

Marion 

Marshall.  .  .  . 

Mason 

Massac 

Montgomery 

Morgan 

Ogle 

Peoria 

Perry 

Pope 

Pulaski 

Randolph .  .  . 
Rock  Island . 

Saline 

Sangamon. . . 

Shelby 

St.  Clair 

Stephenson. . 
Tazewell 
Vermilion .  .  . 

Warren 

White 

Whiteside .  .  . 

Will 

Winnebago.  . 


Number 

of 
foundries 


25 
5 

7 
9 
3 
1 
1 
2 
2 
2 
3 
5 
11 
9 
1 

2 
1 
2 
1 
1 
15 
2 


24 
1 
9 

21 
7 
1 
7 
3 


20 


Number  of 

producing 

molding  sand  pits 


Number  of 

samples  collected 

and  tested 


INTRODUCTION 


15 


Table  2  gives  the  production  of  molding  sand  in  Illinois  from  1904  to  1922. 
Table  2. — Production  and  value  of  molding  sand  in  Illinois,  1904-1922 


Molding  Sand 

Year 

Quantity 

Value 

Average  price 
per  ton 

1904    

Short  tons 
574,488 
336,247 
372,307 
372,884 
143,080 
288,518 
407,232 
237,359 
540,728 
404,717 
347,543 
383,185 
632,529 
703,208 
885,617 
482,219 
763,590 
309,180 
654,761 

$363,090 
189,423 
216,087 
237,149 
86,213 
143,922 
215,742 
120,690 
268,521 
181,794 
200,011 
195,992 
313,219 
412,626 
658,205 
338,893 
915,190 
352,857 
606,779 

$0.63 

1905    

.56 

1906    

.58 

1907 

.64 

1908 

.60 

1909 

.50 

1910 

.53 

1911 

.51 

1912 

.50 

1913         

.45 

1914       

.58 

1915 

.51 

1916 

.49 

1917 

.59 

1918 

.74 

1919 

.70 

1920 

1.20 

1921 

1.14 

1922.. 

.93 

The  high  rank  of  the  State  as  a  producer  of  molding  sand  is  due  to 
the  intensive  development  of  the  silica  sand  deposits  (see  Table  3),  the 
production  of  which  more  than  fills  the  State's  needs  for  steel  molding 
sand.    The  totals  of  natural-bonded  sand  are  insufficient  for  the  needs  of 

the  State's  foundries. 

"i 

Table  3. — Production  of  molding  sand  in  Illinois  by  variety,  1922-1923 


Year 

Steel  sand 

Natural- 
bonded  sands 

Total 

Natural- 
bonded  sands 

1922 

1923 

Tons 
546,765 
647,963 

Tons 
107,996 
150,720 

Tons 
654,761 
798,683 

Per  cent 
16.5 
18.9 

For  the  foundries  visited  in  Chicago,  more  than  50  per  cent  of  the 
sand  was  obtained  outside  Illinois,  and  for  those  located  elsewhere  in  the 
State,  approximately  10  per  cent.  Of  the  State's  490  foundries,  200  are 
located   in   Chicago.      If  the   percentages  given   above   hold   true,   about 


16  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

one-fourth  of  the  natural-bonded  molding  sand  used  within  Illinois  is 
obtained  from  other  states.  It  is  probable  that  the  greater  part  of  the 
sand  shipped  in  is  fine  sand. 

Available  Information 

Practically  no  information  is  available  on  the  molding  sand  deposits 
of  the  State.  Published  reports  on  areal  geology  contain  few  references 
to  molding  sand  deposits  as  such,  but  the  geological  data  in  these  reports 
were  very  useful  in  the  location  and  study  of  the  molding  sand  deposits. 

Molding  Sand  Investigation  Program 

The  American  Foundrymen's  Association,  through  the  Joint  Com- 
mittee on  Molding  Sand  Research,  suggested  to  State  Geologists  the 
benefit  to  be  derived  from  a  field  and  laboratory  investigation  of  the 
molding  sands  of  their  respective  states.  Several  states,  among  them 
Illinois,  are  aiding  in  the  plan,  which  ultimately  will  yield  information 
on  the  quantity  and  quality  of  the  molding  sands  available  in  the  United 
States. 

Purpose  of  the  Report 

This  report  contains  the  results  of  the  field  and  laboratory  investiga- 
tion of  the  molding  sand  resources  of  Illinois.  A  preliminary  report, 
containing  locations  of  deposits  and  Standard  Test  data,  was  issued  in 
April,  1925,  in  order  to  make  such  data  available  as  soon  as  possible. 
The  present  report  has  three  functions:  (1)  to  describe  the  occurrence 
of  the  State's  resources  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand;  (2)  to  describe 
the  physical  properties  of  Illinois  natural-bonded  molding  sands;  and  (3) 
to  present  general  conclusions  as  to  the  relation  of  physical  proper- 
ties of  natural-bonded  molding  sands  to  their  origin.  These  con- 
clusions are  based  upon  both  field  and  laboratory  work.  The  functions  of 
this  report  do  not  include  specific  correlation  between  Standard  Test  data 
and  foundry  use.  The  problems  involved  in  the  selection  and  control  of 
foundry  sands  are  essentially  deeper  than  a  careful  survey  of  the  avail- 
able foundry  literature  would  indicate.  Recognizing  the  truth  of  this 
statement,  the  ultimate  object  of  this  report  is  to  translate  the  origin  and 
physical  properties  of  Illinois  natural-bonded  molding  sand  into  the  lan- 
guage of  Standard  Test  data,  from  which  they  can  be  translated  into 
terms  of  foundry  use  to  suit  individual  foundry  needs. 

Methods  of  Investigation 
field  work 
Field  work  was  carried  on  from  June   18  to  September  15,  1923,  by 
the  State  Geological  Survey.     The  party  travelled  by  auto,  and  samples 
were  shipped  by  express  to  headquarters. 

AREA  COVERED 

Of  the  102  counties  of  the  State,  85  were  studied,  those  omitted  being 
counties  from  which  no  production  has  been  reported  and  whose  geo- 
logical conditions  indicate  that  they  are  barren  territory. 


INTRODUCTION  17 

In  order  to  become  familiar  with  the  various  phases  of  the  problem, 
the  party  visited  producing  pits  and  foundries,  and  studied  samples  of 
sands  in  use.  During  the  course  of  the  work,  forty  foundries,  located  in 
Chicago,  Peoria,  Moline,  East  Moline,  Rock  Island,  East  St.  Louis,  Belle- 
ville, Quincy,  Rockford,  and  other  cities,  were  visited.  All  known  pro- 
ducing deposits  were  examined  and  areas  which  were  known  to  be  favor- 
able geologically  were  searched  for  new  deposits. 

ESTIMATION    OF    EXTENT    OF    DEPOSITS 

The  estimation  of  the  extent  of  deposits  was  necessarily  approximate, 
as  a  detailed  determination  of  the  thickness  and  extent  of  each  deposit 
was  out  of  the  question  in  an  investigation  including  the  entire  State. 
In  the  estimates  of  tonnage  of  sand  for  each  deposit  (see  Chapter  VI), 
two  figures  are  given;  the  first  is  a  conservative  estimate  of  sand  actually 
seen,  and  the  second,  probable  tonnage  of  the  whole  deposit.  These 
estimates  do  not  represent  the  total  molding  sand  resources  of  the  various 
counties,  for  there  are  doubtless  deposits  which  were  not  seen. 

SAMPLING   METHODS 

Samples  of  molding  sand  were  obtained  from  three  general  sources — 
from  the  foundry  bins,  from  pit  sections  or  partially  loaded  cars  at  the 
pits,  and  from  dug  sections  of  undeveloped  outcrops.  Samples  taken 
from  cars  were  selected  from  various  parts  of  the  car  and  carefully  mixed. 
These  included  produced  grades.  A  few  produced  grades  were  taken  from 
the  pit  section,  care  being  taken  to  include  exactly  that  part  of  the  section 
being  dug.  Most  samples  mixed  from  pit  sections  are  called  possible 
grades,  as  there  is  sufficient  sand  in  position  to  produce  a  like  grade.  There 
are,  however,  some  types  of  deposits  which  are  so  variable  that  large 
quantities  of  a  given  grade  are  difficult  to  obtain. 

The  producers'  grade  classification  is  given  in  Tables  30  and  31  only 
in  case  the  producer  definitely  stated  that  the  grade  was  standard.  Also 
it  cannot  be  assumed  that  all  produced  grades  or  possible  grades  will 
conform  exactly  with  the  test  results  given  in  this  report.  In  order  that 
sands  can  be  bought  on  a  basis  of  standard  tests,  they  must  be  produced 
by  controlled  methods,  but  even  then,  purchasing  plants  must  observe  a 
reasonable  degree  of  tolerance. 

LABORATORY    WORK 

The  testing  of  the  samples  collected  during  the  summer  of  1923  was 
done  cooperatively  during  the  summer  of  1924  by  the  Engineering  Experi- 
ment Station  of  the  University  of  Illinois  and  the  Illinois  Geological 
Survey,  in  the  foundry  laboratory  of  the  department  of  Mechanical 
Engineering.  The  equipment  in  this  laboratory  is  as  specified  in  the 
Standard  Test  Procedures  recommended  by  the  American  Foundry- 
men's  Association  and  the  results  are  therefore  comparable  with  the 
results  of  other  organizations  using  the  standardized  tests.  In  addition, 
base  permeability  tests,  with  the  clay  removed,  were  made  on  all  the 
sands;  and  durability  tests  which  gave  the  percentage  of  a  bond  strength 


18  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

lost  by  heating  for  two  hours  at  a  temperature  of  600  degrees  Fahr.,  were 
made  on  48  sands. 

A  total  of  137  samples  was  collected  and  tested,  55  from  producing 
pits,  42  from  new  deposits,  and  40  from  foundries  (see  Tables  1,  30,  and 
31).  The  40  samples  from  foundries  included  24  Illinois  sands  and  16 
"foreign"  sands.  All  known  producing  pits  in  Illinois  were  visited. 
Twenty-nine  new  deposits  of  commercial  promise  were  found  and  sampled 
(see  Table  32). 

Resources  of  Natural-bonded  Molding  Sand 

The  resources  of  commercial  natural-bonded  molding  sand  are  esti- 
mated to  approximate  at  least  6,000,000  tons,  exclusive  of  the  sands  of 
the  St.  Peter  formation,  and  of  the  limy  yellow  silts,  known  geologically 
as  loess,  in  the  western  part  of  the  State.  There  are  several  million  tons 
available  in  the  Wabash  valley  at  points  three  to  five  miles  from  railroads 
which  were  not  sampled  nor  included  in  the  estimates  as  being  commercial. 

The  sand  resources  of  the  State  may  be  roughly  divided  into  two 
classes: — (a)  the  fine,  and  (b)  the  medium  and  coarse  sands.  The  latter 
are  abundant  and  probably  will  furnish  a  sufficient  supply  for  many  years. 
The  fine  sands,  of  usable  quality,  are  not  so  abundant.  The  loess,  or 
calcareous  yellow  silt,  which  is  found  in  abundance  along  the  bluffs  of 
Mississippi  River  and  for  some  miles  to  the  east,  does  not  seem  worthy  of 
consideration  in  competition  with  lime-free  sands  of  the  same  texture. 
It  is  used  for  some  purposes,  and  in  view  of  its  abundance  and  uniformity, 
it  is  regretable  that  it  cannot  be  further  utilized. 

Status  of  the  Illinois  Sand  Producer 

The  use  of  special  equipment  to  facilitate  production  is  confined 
entirely  to  companies  engaged  in  full-time  production  of  molding  sand. 
In  endeavoring  to  produce  sands  of  good  quality,  they  are  led  to  some  study 
of  foundry  needs,  and  thereby  gain  an  understanding  of  the  physical 
properties  of  sand  which  enables  them  to  produce  it  more  intelligently. 

The  part-time  producer,  whose  sand  is  marketed  by  a  foundry  supply 
concern,  has  little  personal  contact  with  the  foundry.  The  production  of 
molding  sand,  no  simple  task  at  best,  requires  him  to  make  selections  and 
judgments  which  are,  through  no  fault  of  his  own,  beyond  his  knowledge. 
It  seems  entirely  probable  that  the  gradual  fall  into  disfavor  of  the  sand 
from  any  one  district  may  be  due  to  such  a  producer's  working  into  a 
part  of  a  deposit  which  contains  sand  of  poorer  quality  than  his  original 
output.  The  fact  that  this  sand  is  bad  may  give  rise  to  prejudice  against 
the  whole  district. 

The  statement  that  the  molding  sand  of  a  given  district  is  worked 
out  and  that  good  sand  can  no  longer  be  obtained  from  it,  can  hardly 
apply  in  Illinois  in  the  sense  that  the  deposits  are  entirely  worked  out. 
Where  such  a  statement  is  made,  there  is  the  possibility  that  the  develop- 
ment of  molding  sand  deposits  may  have  caused  landowners  to  charge 
unduly  high  prices  for  sand-development  rights,  or  that  the  landowners 
felt  that  agricultural  land  might  be  injured  by  sand  development. 


INTRODUCTION  19 

To  the  impartial  observer  it  would  seem  that  the  usual  attitude  of 
the  foundrymen  and  the  sand  producer  towards  one  another  is  not  indica- 
tive of  the  existence  of  a  high  degree  of  cooperation.  Each  is  confronted 
by  problems,  the  means  of  solution  of  which  are  largely  in  the  hands  of 
the  other;  and  not  until  there  is  widespread  cooperation  of  foundrymen 
conversant  with  molding  sand  production  and  sand  producers  familiar 
with  foundry  practice,  will  these  problems  be  solved  in  a  manner  in  accord 
with  the  field  conservation  and  the  most  economical  foundry  use  of  mold- 
ing sands. 

Acknowledgments 

The  success  of  this  scientific  study  has  been  dependent  in  large 
measure  on  the  interest  and  cooperation  of  the  molding  sand  producers 
and  foundrymen  of  the  State.  Attention  given  by  the  Chicago  Foundry- 
men's  Association  and  the  Quad  City  Foundrymen's  Association  enabled 
the  visitation  of  more  plants  than  would  have  been  otherwise  possible. 

Dr.  M.  M.  Leighton,  Chief  of  the  State  Geological  Survey,  was  in 
constant  touch  with  the  work,  and  his  detailed  knowledge  of  the  glacial 
deposits  of  northern  Illinois  made  possible  a  systematic  survey  of  difficult 
areas;  Mr.  L.  F.  Athy,  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  ably  assisted  in  the 
field  work;  Mr.  B.  W.  Benedict,  Manager  of  the  Shop  Laboratory,  pro- 
vided full  laboratory  facilities;  Mr.  R.  E.  Kennedy,  assistant  secretary  of 
the  American  Foundrymen's  Association,  gave  helpful  advice  during  both 
field  and  laboratory  work;  Professor  C.  W.  Parmelee,  Head  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  Ceramics,  extended  aid  in  pursuing  experimental  work  on  heat 
tests;  Mr.  W.  M.  Saunders  made  dye-adsorption  tests  on  135  sands;  Mr. 
H.  W.  Dietert,  Sand  Technologist  of  the  United  States  Radiator  Corpora- 
tion, Detroit,  suggested  practical  test  procedures  from  his  own  experience; 
and  in  the  laboratory,  Mr.  R.  S.  Datta  and  Mr.  B.  F.  Nordmann  of  the 
University  of  Illinois  were  helpful  assistants  by  reason  of  their  scientific 
interest. 


CHAPTER  II— PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES  OF  NATURAL- 
BONDED  MOLDING  SANDS 

Definition  of  Molding  Sand 

The  commonly  given  definitions  of  molding  sand  state  the  character- 
istics of  the  ideal  molding  sand,  a  material  seldom  encountered  in  nature. 
A  definition  from  the  standpoint  of  use  will  include  many  molding  sands 
which  are  far  from  the  ideal,  but  which  are  profitably  used.  Hence, 
molding  sand  may  be  defined  as  any  material  which,  when  moist,  can  be 
formed  into  a  mold  from  which  usable  metal  castings  may  be  made.  This 
includes  both  artificially  bonded  molding  sands,  which  are  artificial  mix- 
tures of  sand  and  clay,  and  natural-bonded  molding  sands,  which  are 
mixtures  of  sand  and  clay  as  they  occur  in  nature. 

Importance  of  Sampling  Methods 

All  natural-bonded  molding  sands  possess  in  common  a  number  of 
physical  properties.  The  suitability  of  a  natural-bonded  molding  sand  for 
a  specific  kind  of  work  is  determined  by  the  combination  of  various  degrees 
of  the  different  physical  properties.  When  the  physical  properties  of  a 
sand  are  to  be  determined  in  the  laboratory,  it  is  imperative  to  obtain  as 
representative  a  sample  of  the  deposit  as  possible.  In  some  cases  it  is 
impossible  to  obtain  a  sample  which  is  adequately  representative  of  a 
deposit  of  several  acres'  extent.  It  is,  however,  entirely  possible  to  obtain 
a  sample  typical  of  the  molding  sand  which  could  be  produced  from  the 
deposit  for  a  considerable  time;  and  by  examination  of  auger  borings  or 
of  such  natural  exposures  as  may  be  found,  it  is  further  possible  to  esti- 
mate with  fair  accuracy  the  character  of  the  molding  sand  throughout 
the  deposit. 

In  sampling  producing  pits  or  natural  exposures,  vertical  channels  a 
few  inches  deep  and  as  wide  as  the  shovel  were  cut  through  the  total 
workable  section  at  several  points  along  the  exposure.  The  sand  thus 
obtained  was  shoveled  to  a  large  piece  of  canvas  and  the  gross  sample 
halved  and  quartered  as  recommended  by  the  Joint  Committee  on  Molding 
Sand  Research.1 

Where  a  vertical  section  of  a  deposit  was  not  exposed  it  was  necessary 
to  dig  pits  to  obtain  samples.  Such  deposits  were  discovered  by  boring 
with  the  hand  auger,  and  pits  put  through  the  workable  thickness  of  sand. 
Though  samples  obtained  in  that  way  are  not  as  representative  as  those 
taken  from  the  face  of  a  working  pit,  they  may  have  considerable  value 
in  some  instances. 

Fineness 

Fineness  is  the  most  important  single  property  of  molding  sand 
because  of  the  fact  that  the  degree  of  other  important  physical  properties 

tentatively  adopted  methods  of  tests  and  resume  of  activities  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  Molding 
Sand  Research:    American  Foundrymen's  Association  bulletin,  June  1,  1924  (Edition  corrected  August  1,  1924). 

20 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES FINENESS  21 

is  governed  by  it  to  considerable  extent.  The  term  fineness  may  be  used 
in  two  ways,  both  having  to  do  with  the  size  of  the  constituent  grains  and 
particles  of  molding  sand: 

DEFINITION 
RELATIVE   FINENESS 

1.  For  those  variations  of  fineness  of  molding  sands  that  may  be 
readily  determined  by  touch,  the  term  "relative  fineness"  is  used.  A 
coarse  sand,  when  molded,  gives  a  surface  of  much  coarser  texture  than 
does  a  fine  sand,  and  the  resulting  casting  will  have  a  rougher  surface 
than  one  poured  in  a  fine  sand. 

SIZE-GRADE    DISTRIBUTION 

2.  The  degree  of  sorting,  or  the  size  grade  distribution  of  the  con- 
stituent grains  and  particles,  may  differ  greatly  in  sands  which  seem  to 
the  eye  and  hand  to  be  of  the  same  relative  degree  of  fineness.  Such 
variation  in  the  proportions  of  grains  or  particles  of  the  various  sizes 
affects  the  bond  strength  and  permeability  to  a  considerable  extent,  but 
in  itself  does  not  affect  the  suitability  of  a  molding  sand  for  a  given  use. 
Because  of  this  factor,  which  causes  sands  which  are  alike  in  external 
appearance  to  behave  very  differently  under  use,  the  belief  has  arisen 
generally  that  every  molding  sand  is  a  law  unto  itself  and  that  scientific 
methods  of  control  of  molding  sands  are  difficult  of  application. 

All  fineness  test  data  included  in  this  report  were  obtained  by  use 
of  the  Standard  Fineness  Test,1  which  is  as  follows: 

STANDARD   FINENESS   TEST 

50  grams  of  molding  sand,  dried  for  at  least  1  hour  at  a  temperature  which  shall 
not  be  lower  than  105  degrees  Centigrade  nor  higher  than  110  degrees  Centigrade,  are  put 
into  a  1-quart  milk  bottle2  or  preserving  jar,  smooth  on  the  inside,  with  no  sharp  shoulders 
in  the  neck,  to  permit  the  sand  to  be  easily  removed  with  a  small  stream  of  water.  475 
cubic  centimeters  of  water  and  25  cubic  centimeters  of  a  standard  solution  of  sodium 
hydroxide  (made  by  dissolving  10  grams  of  sodium  hydroxide  in  1000  cubic  centimeters 
of  water)  are  added,  and  the  bottle  or  jar  is  covered  and  securely  sealed.  In  using  a  pre- 
serving jar,  instead  of  the  usual  rubber  ring,  a  rubber  disc  is  employed,  which  fits  into 
the  inside  of  the  glass  cover.  The  receptacle  is  then  placed  in  a  shaking  machine,  making 
about  60  revolutions  per  minute,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  allow  it  to  be  up-ended  at  each 
revolution.  At  the  end  of  1  hour  the  receptacle  is  removed,  the  cover  is  unsealed,  and 
the  sand  adhering  to  the  cover  is  washed  into  the  receptacle.  The  receptacle  is  then 
filled  with  water,3  permitting  the  stream  to  stir  up  the  contents,  and  allowed  to  stand  for 
10  minutes,  when  by  means  of  a  siphon  extending  to  within  2.5  centimeters  (approxi- 
mately 1  inch)  of  the  bottom  of  the  receptacle,  the  water  is  siphoned  off.  More  water  is 
added,  filling  the  receptacle,  and  at  the  end  of  10  minutes  siphoned  off.  Water  is  added 
again,  and  at  the  end  of  5  minutes  siphoned  off.  The  process  of  5  minutes  standing  and 
siphoning  is  repeated  until  the  water  remains  clear  at  the  end  of  the  5-minute  period. 
By  this  means  the  clay  substance  is  separated  from  the  grain,  and  may  be  collected  in 
suitable  containers  and  recovered  by  the  addition  of  acid  to  neutralize  the  sodium  hydroxide. 

The  grain  remaining  in  the  bottle  or  jar  is  washed  onto  a  filter-paper,  in  a  9-centi- 

iOp.  cit. 

2The  bottles  used  were  quart  milk  bottles,  which  gave  a  settling  column  814  inches  in  height. 
3As  tap  water  caused  the  clay  to  flocculate  and  settle  before  the  latter  could  be  siphoned  off,  it  was 
found  necessary  to  use  water  free  of  positive  electrolyte,  such  as  distilled  water  or  power-plant  boiler  water. 


22 


MOLDING    SAND   RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


meter  Buchner's  funnel,  is  transferred,  together  with  the  filter-paper,  to  a  large  glass,  and 
dried  for  Yi  hour  at  a  temperature  which  shall  not  be  lower  than  105  degrees  Centigrade 
nor  higher  than  110  degrees  Centigrade.  The  dried  grain  is  weighed,  and  the  difference 
between  its  weight  and  that  of  the  original  50-gram  sample  is  ascertained  to  determine 
the  clay  substance. 

The  grain  is  then  placed  on  the  first  of  a  series  of  sieves,  U.  S.  Bureau  of  Standards 
Nos.  6,  12,  20,  40,  70,  100,  140,  200  and  270.  These  sieves  are  placed  in  a  Rotap  testing- 
sieve  shaker1,  or  other  machine  the  use  of  which  may  yield  identical  results.  This  machine 
is  run  for  15  minutes,  and  the  amount  remaining  on  each  sieve  is  weighed,  and  expressed 
in  percentage.  The  portion  passing  the  No.  270  sieve  is  known  as  "No.  270  minus,"  or 
"  —  270  mesh." 

Table  4. — Series  of  sieves,  United  States  Bureau  of  Standards 


Tolerance 

Sieve 

Sieve 

opening 

Wire  diameter 

number 

In  average 
opening 

In  wire 
diameter 

In  maxi- 
mum 
opening 

Milli- 

Milli- 

meters 

Inches 

meters 

Inches 

Per  cent 

Per  cent 

Per  cent 

6 

3.36 

.132 

1.02 

.040 

3 

-15  to  +30 

10 

12 

1.68 

.0661 

.69 

.0272 

3 

-15  to  +30 

10 

20 

.84 

.0331 

.42 

.0165 

5 

-15  to  +30 

25 

40 

.42 

.0165 

.25 

.0098 

5 

-15  to  +30 

25 

70 

.210 

.0083 

.140 

.0055 

6 

-15  to  +35 

40 

100 

.149 

.0059 

.102 

.0040 

6 

-15  to  +35 

40 

140 

.105 

.0041 

.074 

.0029 

8 

-15  to  +35 

60 

200 

.074 

.0029 

.053 

.0021 

8 

-15  to  +35 

60 

270 

.053 

.0021 

.041 

.0016 

8 

-15  to  +35 

90 

GRAPHICAL    REPRESENTATION    OF    FINENESS    DATA 

It  is  well  to  file  all  fineness  data  obtained.  Printed  blanks  which  have 
appropriate  spaces  for  sample  data,  size  grade  percentages,  etc.,  may  be 
used.  Some  sort  of  graphic  record  is  also  very  effective,  as  the  rela- 
tion of  the  various  size-grade  percentages  are  evident  at  a  glance;  figures 
28,  31,  and  34  show  fineness  pyramids  which  are  simply  made,  easily  read, 
and  self  explanatory. 

RELATION    OF    FINENESS    TO    OTHER    PHYSICAL    PROPERTIES 

The  relation  of  fineness  to  other  physical  properties  of  molding  sand 
will  be  considered  later  in  the  chapter,  following  the  description  and 
definition  of  the  other  physical  properties. 

Bond  Strength 
function 
A  natural-bonded  molding  sand  must  possess  sufficient  bond  strength 
so  that,  when  moist,  the  sand  will  retain  the  shape  of  a  pattern,  and  keep 
that  shape  against  the  washing  effect  of  the  molten  metal. 

'Manufacturers  of  equipment  used  in  making  .Standard  Tests  arc  listed  in  the  American  Foundrvinen's 
Association  bulletin,  op.  cit. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES BOND  STRENGTH  23 

Coarse  sands  must  have  a  higher  degree  of  bond  strength  than  fine 
sands  because  larger  molds  are  made  of  them,  and  because  the  washing 
effect  of  the  molten  metal  is  greater.  Sands  used  for  light  castings  do  not 
require  as  high  bond  strength  but  the  molding  of  intricate  patterns  calls 
for  a  wide  moisture  range,  through  which  the  bond  must  remain  as  nearly 
constant  as  possible. 

CONTRIBUTING    FACTORS 

Of  the  many  factors  which  affect  bond  strength,  some  are  inherent  in 
the  sand  and  others  concern  foundry  practice.  The  initial  bond  strength 
is  due  to  several  factors  inherent  in  the  sand,  which  are  as  follows: 


1.  Clay,  when  moist,  adheres  to  sand  grains,  the  strength  of  the 
adhesion  depending  upon  the  plasticity  of  the  clay,  the  area  of  the  surface 
covered,  and  the  roughness  of  that  surface.  The  plasticity  of  the  clay  at 
any  one  moisture  content  probably  depends  primarily  upon  the  amount 
and  degree  of  flocculation  of  the  ultraclay  present,  but  in  any  one  molding 
sand  this  factor  is  very  nearly  constant.  The  relation  of  plasticity  to 
moisture  content  is  a  factor  which,  within  limits,  can  be  controlled. 

The  ratios  between  varying  amounts  of  clay  and  a  constant  grain 
surface  of  the  sand  are  of  importance  during  the  use  of  a  sand.  Because 
the  total  grain  surface  varies  with  the  size  grade  distribution  of  the  sand 
grains,  molding  sand  produced  from  a  deposit  of  variable  fineness  does  not 
have  a  constant  grain  surface  but  this  factor  is  of  less  importance  than 
the  variations  in  the  amount  of  clay  present. 

GRAIN    SURFACE 

2.  The  kind  of  grain  surface  is  very  important.  Clay  does  not  adhere 
to  the  smooth  surfaces  of  chert  or  quartz  grains.  The  surfaces  of  clean 
quartz  grains  may  be  exposed  by  breaking  a  damp  lump  of  clay  and  quartz 
sand;  but  if  the  quartz  grains  are  coated  with  a  film  of  limonite,  a  break 
in  a  damp  lump  will  not  reveal  the  presence  of  the  grains,  as  each  grain 
has  a  coating  of  clay  which  adheres  more  tightly  to  its  surface  than  to  the 
body  of  the  clay.  The  increase  in  bond  strength  which  is  effected  by  this 
grain  coating  is  large — so  large,  in  fact,  that  the  successful  synthetic  manu- 
facture of  molding  sand  of  low  refractoriness  from  clean  sand  and  clay  is 
commercially  impracticable. 

SURFACE    TENSION    OF    WATER    FILM    ON   CRYSTALLINE    GRAINS 

3.  A  handful  of  moist  sand  will  tend  to  adhere  together,  the  ad- 
hesion being  stronger,  the  finer  the  sand.  The  force  of  adhesion  is  known 
to  be  due  to  the  surface  tension  of  the  water  films  surrounding  the  grains 
because  an  increase  of  moisture  sufficient  to  saturate  the  sand  destroys 
the  adherence.  The  "packing"  or  interlocking  of  angular  grains  is  com- 
monly considered  to  be  a  factor  in  the  bond  strength  of  fine  sands;  but 
such  interlocking,  when  tested  with  an  absolutely  dry,  clean-surfaced, 
clay-free  sand,  does  not  develop  measurable  bond  strength  and  is  therefore 
known  to  have  little  or  no  importance  in  itself. 


24  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF   ILLINOIS 

Some  of  the  bond  strength  of  any  molding  sand  is  contributed  by  the 
water  film  between  silt  grains,  the  higher  the  ratio  between  the  amount 
of  fine  crystalline  grains  and  the  amount  of  clay,  the  greater  its  part  of  the 
total  bond  strength.  In  general,  molding  sands  largely  composed  of  fine 
crystalline  grains  will  maintain  a  nearly  constant  bond  strength  through- 
out a  narrow  moisture  range.  The  addition  of  some  clay  increases  the 
moisture  range  of  constant  bond  strength  rather  than  the  maximum  bond 
strength. 

NEED  FOR  STUDY  OF  DETERMINING  FACTORS 

When  the  nature  and  number  of  the  known  factors  involved  in  bond 
strength  are  considered,  it  is  obvious  that  the  determination  of  bond 
strength  of  a  given  sand  must  be  done  directly  for  it  can  not  be  derived 
from  an  analysis  of  the  factors.  However,  better  knowledge  of  the  relative 
importance  of  each  factor  will  further  conservation  and  facilitate  foundry 
control  of  molding  sands. 

STANDARD  BOND-STRENGTH  TEST 

The  bond  strength  of  the  samples  listed  in  this  report  (Tables  30  and 
31)  was  obtained  by  the  Standard  Bonding  or  Cohesiveness  Test  recom- 
mended by  the  Joint  Committee  on  Molding  Sand  Research,1  which  is  as 
follows : 

Tempering  of  Sand 

1.  The  sample  to  be  tested  should  be  an  average  one,  representative  of  the  heap, 
floor,  car,  bank,  or  other  source  from  which  it  is  taken. 

2.  In  testing  sand  for  cohesiveness  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  the  sand  be  properly 
sampled  and  uniformly  tempered.  For  plant  check  or  control  tests  upon  facing  or  heap 
sands  in  daily  use,  one  may  test  the  sand  as  tempered  for  molding. 

3.  Since  it  is  the  object  to  determine  the  maximum  cohesiveness  under  suitable 
foundry  working  conditions,  in  the  examination  of  new  sands  experiment  should  invariably 
be  made  with  several  water  contents  in  order  to  ascertain  that  amount  (optimum  water 
content)  which  develops  the  maximum  degree  of  cohesiveness.  It  is  advisable  in  most 
cases  to  try  percentages  of  water  beginning  with  4  per  cent  and  increasing  by  stages  of 
2  per  cent,  up  to  and  including  at  least  8  per  cent.  Sometimes  it  will  be  found  difficult 
to  make  a  test  with  a  water  content  of  an  exact  predetermined  percentage.  The  per- 
missible extent  of  deviation  from  the  predetermined  amount  should  in  no  case  be  more 
than  one-half  per  cent,  and  can  be  determined  intelligently  by  the  careful  experimenter 
who  observes  critically  the  tendency  of  a  sand  to  show  widely  differing  cohesiveness  values 
as  the  water  content  is  appreciably  changed.  A  deviation  not  exceeding  .2  per  cent  (5.8 
per  cent  or  6.2  per  cent  in  the  case  of  an  attempt  to  get  6  per  cent)  can  be  considered  as 
entirely  satisfactory  for  the  determination  of  the  cohesiveness  at  the  nearest  fixed  per- 
centage. The  exact  percentage  of  moisture,  even  if  within  .2  per  cent,  should  be  reported. 
Supplementary  tests  with  lower  percentages  of  water  than  4  per  cent  and  higher  per- 
centages than  8  per  cent  should  be  made  if  and  when  the  facts  ascertained  justify  such 
tests.  For  example,  when  a  permeability  value  considered  proper  to  report  is  obtained 
on  a  sand  with  a  moisture  content  below  4  per  cent  or  above  8  per  cent  and  a  cohesiveness 
value  on  the  sand  is  desired,  the  test  for  cohesiveness  should  be  conducted  with  the  sand 
tempered  with  the  same  amount  of  water  as  in  the  case  of  the  permeability  test.  In  such 
cases,  a  sufficiently  large  sample  of  sand  should  be  tempered,  to  permit  making  both  of 
these  tests. 


'American  Foundrymen'a  Association  bulletin,  June  1,  1924  (Edition  corrected  August  1,  1924). 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES — BOND  STRENGTH 


25 


4.  In  the  examination  of  new  sands,  proceed  as  follows:  Dry  1000  grams  of  sand, 
selected  according  to  the  directions  for  sampling  molding  sand,  for  one  hour  at  a  tem- 
perature not  below  105  degrees  Centigrade,  nor  above  110  degrees  Centigrade.  Care 
should  be  exercised  to  spread  the  sand  over  a  large  area  in  a  thin  layer  in  order  to  expel 
all  the  moisture  in  a  given  time.  This  will  make  it  possible  to  add  the  proper  amount 
of  water  and  give  the  sand  the  desired  moisture  content. 

5.  After  the  sand  has  cooled,  measure  out  the  desired  quantity  of  water,  adding 
sufficient  extra  water  (usually  from  one-fourth  to  one  per  cent)  to  allow  for  evaporation 
during  mixing.     Thus  if  it  is  desired  to  add  4  per  cent  water  and  one-half  per  cent  extra 


4— 

S — r 


6. 


f 


a— 


-* 


Fig.  1. — Mold  box  parts  for  bond  test 


water  is  needed,  one  would  add  47  cubic  centimeters  (since  one  cubic  centimeter  of  water 
weighs  1  gram)  to  1000  grams,  and  secure  a  total  weight  of  1047  grams.1 

6.  For  the  tempering  operation,  spread  the  sand  on  a  smooth  flat  dry  surface  in  a 
layer  about  1  inch  thick,  sprinkle  a  small  quantity  of  the  required  water  evenly  over  the 
sand,  and  work  the  latter  gradually  into  a  heap  by  rubbing  it  vigorously  through  the 
hands.  Again  spread  it  into  a  thin  layer  and  repeat  the  above  operations,  adding  more 
water.  Continue  to  do  this  until  all  of  the  water  has  been  thoroughly  distributed  through 
the  sand.     There  should  be  no  dry  lumps  or  other  evidence  of  uneven  tempering. 

iMoisture  content  for  all  molding  sand  determinations  and  tests  is  to  be  expressed  as  the  percentage 
of  moisture  in  the  damp  sample  of  sand.  It  is  not  proper  to  calculate  the  amount  of  moisture,  proportionate 
to  the  weight  only  of  the  dry  sand. 


26 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


7.  The  sand  should  now  be  allowed  to  stand  in  order  that  the  maximum  temper 
may  be  developed.  To  secure  this  temper,  place  the  sand  in  a  humidor  or  air-tight  re- 
ceptacle and  allow  it  to  stand  for  24  hours.  After  this,  the  sample  is  ready  to  be  tested, 
as  below. 

8.  Take  the  entire  sample  of  sand  from  the  humidor.  Pass  this  entire  sample  twice 
through  a  coarse  riddle  and  return  the  sand  as  quickly  as  possible  to  the  humidor  or  re- 
ceptacle. From  this  take  sample  to  be  tested  for  cohesiveness;  also  sample  to  be  tested 
for  moisture  content,  and  for  permeability  if  desired. 

Ascertaining  Moisture  Content 

9.  The  moisture  content  is  to  be  determined  as  follows:  Dry  100  grams  of  tempered 
sand  for  one  hour  between  105  degrees  and  110  degrees  Centigrade.  When  dry  re-weigh. 
The  loss  of  weight  in  grams  is  the  moisture  content  expressed  as  percentage. 


Fig.  2 — Constant-speed  motor  pulling  device  for  breaking  bond  test  bars 


Method  of  Procedure  in  Testing  for  Cohesiveness 

10.  While  the  sand  is  drying  remove  all  loose  pieces  from  the  box  as  shown  in  figure  1. 
Replace  metal  plate  (No.  6,  fig.  1)  in  frame  (No.  1,  fig.  1),  locating  the  plate  between 
the  small  projections  on  the  bottom  of  the  frame;  and  upon  this  plate1  place  a  piece  of 
thin  waxed  or  oiled  paper  which  is  of  the  same  width  as  the  end  of  the  plate,  but  long 
enough  to  be  inserted  in  the  slotted  shaft  of  the  motor-pulling  device  (fig.  2).  One  end 
of  the  strip  of  paper  should  be  even  with  one  end  of  the  plate,  and  the  other  should  pro- 
ject and  be  turned  around  the  other  end  of  the  plate,  so  as  to  lie  smoothly  against  its 
under  side.  Replace  sections  5  (fig.  1),  moving  them  as  far  toward  the  outer  edge  of 
the  frame  as  is  possible.  Then  replace  sections  3  (fig.  1).  Place  the  open  box  directly 
beneath  the  riddle  which  is  shown  together  with  the  box  and  strikes  in  figure  3. 

11.  Take  a  sufficient  quantity  (approximately  1000  grams)  of  tempered  sand  to 
make  a  bar  one  inch  thick,  with  a  tolerance  of  not  more  than  three  per  cent.  Place  the 
weighed  sand  and  some  tumbling  stars  in  the  riddle,  and  shake  until  the  sand  has  passed 
through  it.1  Remove  the  box  from  beneath  the  riddle,  and  brush  all  particles  on  top  of 
sides  of  box,  into  same. 


'The  metal  plate  can  be  made  of  aluminum,  brass,  or  of  some  other  non-corrosive  metal.    The  light 
weight  of  aluminum  makes  it  preferable  for  handling. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES BOND  STRENGTH 


27 


12.  Level  off  the  sand  in  the  box  by  using  the  strikes  shown  in  figure  4.  In  striking 
off,  it  is  important  to  start  with  that  strike  which  grazes  the  highest  level  of  the  sand, 
working  from  the  center  alternately  toward  the  ends  of  the  box,  and  swinging  the  strikes 
around  as  the  ends  are  approached,  so  that  no  sand  will  be  packed  between  the  strike  and 
the  end  of  the  box.  Continue  the  use  of  strikes  consecutively  deeper  by  1{q  inch  until  a 
uniform  level  of  sand  is  obtained  throughout  the  box. 

13.  Starting  with  section  5  on  one  side  of  the  box,  push  it  toward  the  center  as  far 
as  possible,  and  hold  in  position  by  inserting  section  4  (fig.  5).  Repeat  this  operation  on 
opposite  side. 

14.  Place  the  trussed  rammer  (fig.  6)  in  a  level  position  on  the  sand  in  the  box. 
Place  the  box  with  the  trussed  rammer  in  an  impact  machine  similar  to  that  shown  in 


Fig.  3. — Assembled  mold  box,  screen,  and  rammer  block  for  bond  test 


fig.  7,  so  that  the  weight  will  fall  on  the  center  of  the  truss.    Drop  a  twenty-pound  weight 
three  times  from  a  height  of  sixteen  inches. 

15.  Remove  box  with  trussed  rammer  from  impact  machine.  Then  remove  trussed 
rammer  and  sections  4,  5  and  3  in  the  order  named.  In  removing  section  3  be  especially 
careful  to  push  it  away  from  the  bar  as  it  is  being  lifted. 

16.  Remove  metal  plate  supporting  the  bar  lying  on  the  paper.  With  a  scale  divided 
into  hundredths  of  an  inch,  measure  both  sides  of  the  bar  at  three  points  to  determine 
the  average  thickness,  considering  the  inch  to  be  the  unit  of  thickness.  The  thickness 
should  be  uniform,  but  experiments  have  shown  that  variations  in  thickness  do  not  ap- 
preciably affect  the  results  when  the  deviations  in  the  thickness  of  the  bar  do  not  vary 
from  the  prescribed  one  inch  dimension,  over  or  under,  at  any  point,  by  more  than  .02 
inch.  Set  the  plate  carrying  bar  and  paper  on  the  table  of  breaking  apparatus  (fig.  2), 
with  one  end  of  the  plate  projecting  about  one-half  inch  beyond  the  end  of  table.  The 
free  end  of  the  paper  should  extend  from  the  projecting  end  of  the  plate,  and  should  pass 
through  the  slot  in  the  shaft  of  the  motor-pulling  device  (fig..  2). 


1In  the  case  of  some  coarse  sands  like  Millville  gravel  there  is  a  tendency  for  the  finer  particles  to  go 
through  the  screen  of  the  riddle  first,  the  coarser  particles  and  pebbles  passing  through  later.  This  tends  to 
give  a  layered  structure  to  the  bar,  which  is  undesirable.  Where  the  sand  shows  such  a  tendency  the  use  of  a 
coarser  screen  in  the  riddle  for  feeding  the  material  into  the  box  is  permissible. 


28 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


17.  Start  the  motor-pulling  device,1  which  draws  the  bar  forward  at  the  rate  of  six 
inches  per  minute.  When  the  weight  of  the  overhanging  section  causes  a  portion  of  the 
bar  to  break  off,  stop  the  motor.     Catch  the  portion  breaking  off  in  some  convenient 


Fig.  4. — Showing  method  of  leveling  sand  in  mold  box  using  graduated  strikes  of 

graduated  depth 


Fig.  5. — Showing  method  of  assembling  mold  box  after  sand  has  been  riddled  in  box. 


receptacle  (as  illustrated  in  fig.  2)  which  has  been  previously  weighed.     This  receptacle 
may  be  a  piece  of  thin  metal  which  has  been  bent  into  a  shape  similar  to  a  bowl  or  scoop 


'Instead  of  the  motor-pulling  device  illustrated,  any  suitable  form  of  apparatus  may  be  used,  which 
employs  power  geared  to  a  shaft  in  such  ratio  that  the  said  shaft  to  which  the  paper  is  attached  will  be  revolved 
at  a  constant  speed  to  draw  the  bar  at  six  inches  per  minute.  A  steady  forward  movement  of  the  bar  for  each 
break  is  imperative.  For  intelligent  comparison  of  results  a  uniform  pulling  speed,  to  be  employed  by  all  oper- 
ators, is  necessary.  A  speed  of  six  inches  is  adopted  because  it  has  been  found  satisfactory  with  weak _ and 
strong  sands. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES BOND  STRENGTH 


29 


so  as  to  safeguard  the  catching  of  every  particle  of  sand  as  it  falls.     Weigh  the  receptacle 
and  every  particle  of  the  broken  portion  of  the  bar  together,  and  deduct  the  weight  of 


Fig.  6. — Rammer  block  for  bond  test 


Fig.  7. — Ramming  apparatus  for  compressing  sand  in  mold  box  for  bond  test 


the  receptacle.  Repeat  the  operation  until  as  many  breaks  are  obtained  as  the  bar  will 
yield.  To  prevent  the  last  part  of  the  bar  from  tilting  a  broad  flat  weight  of  proper  size 
may  be  placed  on  the  end  of  the  bar  to  hold  it  down. 


30  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Disposition  of  Results  from  Tests 

18.  If  the  bar  breaks  into  portions  of  fairly  uniform  weights,  all  breaks  may  be 
retained.  If  the  first  break  differs  by  more  than  10  per  cent  from  the  average  weight  of 
the  others,  discard  it.  Appreciable  variations  between  the  weight  of  the  first  break  and 
those  of  the  other  breaks  may  be  due  to  the  influence  on  certain  sands  of  close  contact 
with  the  end  piece  of  the  box  (No.  3,  fig.  1).  Should  the  weight  of  any  break  other  than 
the  first  differ  from  the  average  weight  of  the  others  by  more  than  10  per  cent,  discard 
the  entire  bar.  This  difference  is  usually  traceable  to  improper  mixing  of  the  sand  or  care- 
less use  of  strikes. 

19.  Add  the  weights  of  all  broken  sections  (except  any  which  may  have  been  dis- 
carded) and  divide  by  the  number  of  these.  This  gives  the  average  breaking  weight  for 
a  bar  of  the  thickness  used.  Repeat  this  operation,  until  at  least  six  breaks  have  been 
obtained  from  not  less  than  two  bars,  and  average  the  results  of  the  average  breaks  from 
each  bar.  If  properly  carried  out,  the  test  of  the  number  of  bars  as  specified  should  yield 
an  average  from  which  no  individual  bar  should  vary  more  than  5  per  cent.  Failure  to 
meet  this  requirement  indicates  faulty  manipulation. 

20.  The  bonding  strength  is  to  be  expressed  in  terms  of  the  actual  weight  in  grams 
of  the  average  breaking  strength  of  the  bar,  including  moisture. 

Example  A 

Bonding  Strength  =  213.6  X  100  -i-  500  =  213.6  +  5  =  42.7  per   cent. 

Example  B 

Bonding  Strength  =  252.9  X  100  -H  500  =  252.9  +  5  =  50.6  per  cent. 

21.  From  the  above  examples  it  is  seen  that  the  average  weight  of  the  breaks, 
divided  by  5,  gives  the  bonding  strength  or  cohesiveness  expressed  in  percentage. 

22.  Having  completed  the  test  on  samples  with  varying  moisture  contents,  report 
the  bonding  strength  or  cohesiveness  of  each,  with  its  corresponding  moisture  content. 

RELATION  OF  CLAY  AND  SILT  TO  BOND  STRENGTH 

The  interrelation  of  the  two  factors,  amorphous  clay  and  crystalline 
silt,  in  determining  the  degree  of  bond  strength  is  shown  in  Table  5. 
As  it  is  impossible  to  eliminate  or  keep  constant  the  amount  of  grain 
coating,  the  size-grade  distribution  of  the  sand  grains,  and  the  plasticity 
of  the  clay,  the  possibility  should  be  recognized  that  the  tendencies  shown 
may  be  due  in  part,  or  wholly,  to  other  factors. 

All  the  samples  tested  are  represented  in  this  table,  the  bond  strengths 
given  being  averages  of  the  bond  strengths  of  the  samples  which  fell  in 
each  group.  Several  of  the  silt-clay  percentage  combinations  include  only 
one  sand,  so  that  some  of  the  figures  are  representative  of  single  samples. 

Two  tendencies  are  noticeable: 

1.  The  silt  content  being  constant,  the  bond  strength  tends  to  in- 
crease with  increase  in  clay  content. 

2.  The  clay  content  being  constant,  the  difference  between  the  maxi- 
mum and  minimum  bond  strength  values  in  the  4  per  cent  to  8  per  cent 
moisture-content  range  tends  to  decrease  with  increase  in  silt  content. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES — BOND  STRENGTH 


31 


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32 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


RELATION    OF    CLAY    AND    SILT    CONTENT    TO    OPTIMUM    WATER    CONTENT 

FOR   BOND    STRENGTH 

Table  6  shows  the  average  silt  and  clay  content  of  groups  of  samples 
which  attain  maximum  bond  strength  at  4  per  cent,  6  per  cent,  and  8 
per  cent  water,  respectively.  The  group  which  has  maximum  bond  strength 
at  4  per  cent  averages  low  in  both  silt  and  clay  content,  and  has  very 
nearly  equal  amounts  of  silt  and  clay.  At  6  per  cent  and  8  per  cent  the 
silt  and  clay  contents  average  higher,  and  the  average  silt  percentage  is 
greater  than  that  of  the  clay,  though  the  clay-silt  ratio  is  practically  the 
same. 

It  is  clear  that  the  higher  the  percentages  of  silt  and  clay  in  molding 
sand  the  higher  will  be  the  water  per  cent  at  which  maximum  bond  strength 
will  be  developed. 

Table  6. — Relation  of  optimvm  water  content  for  bond  strength  to  silt  and  clay  content 


Moisture  content 

at  maximum  bond 

strength 

Number 

of 
samples 

Average  silt  content 
(-270  mesh) 

Average 

clay 
content 

Per  cent 
4 
6 

8 

57 
45 
32 

Per  cent 
15.3 
26.6 

32.8 

Per  cent 
13.2 
17.1 
21.6 

Durability 


VALUE    OF   TESTING 

A  need  for  a  test  of  the  durability  of  molding  sand  has  been  evident, 
as  a  sand  which  has  a  low  degree  of  durability  may  not  be  profitably  used 
even  though  the  fineness,  permeability  and  cohesiveness  tests  indicate 
its  suitability.  The  problem  of  durability,  or  life  of  a  sand,  is  distinct  from 
the  problem  of  refractoriness  or  resistance  to  fluxing,  as  it  is  conceivable 
that  a  very  refractory  sand  might  be  short-lived.  The  general  procedure 
of  durability  tests  developed  and  used  in  plant  control  work  by  H.  W. 
Dietert  was  adopted  after  some  experimentation  with  temperatures  at 
500  degrees,  600  degrees,  1000  degrees  to  1250  degrees,  and  1800  degrees 
Fahr.  A  temperature  of  600  degrees  Fahr.,  which  is  that  used  by  Mr. 
Dietert,  was  found  to  be  best  suited  for  obtaining  results  apparently 
indicative  of  durability.  Lower  temperatures  gave  little  differentiation 
between  sands,  and  temperatures  above  1000  degrees  appeared  to  de- 
hydrate so  much  of  the  clay  substance  that  the  bond  strength  was  due 
largely  to  adhesion  between  grains  which  had  burnt-on  coats  of  "dead" 
clay.  At  1800  degrees  the  bond  strength  was  entirely  lost  in  the  few 
samples  tested  at  that  temperature. 

The  foundry  problem  of  durability  relates  to  the  partially  burnt  sand 
which  goes  back  into  the  heap  and  not  to  the  sand  which  is  entirely  burnt 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES DURABILITY  33 

out  and  discarded.  Hence  it  is  desirable  to  know  the  loss  of  bond  strength 
at  low  temperatures.  Such  a  test  is  largely  an  aid  in  gaging  the  durability 
of  new  sand. 

STANDARD   DURABILITY   TEST 

Three  pounds  of  untested,  air-dried  sand  broken  up  to  pass  a  No.  6 
riddle,  is  put  into  a  sheet-iron  or  aluminum  pan  of  such  size  that  the 
sample  may  be  spread  evenly  in  a  layer  about  one-fourth  of  an  inch  thick. 
The  sand  is  placed  in  a  gas  core  oven  which  is  heated  until  the  shelf  on 
which  it  rests  reaches  600  degrees  Fahr.,  when  a  thermo  couple  is  laid 
on  top  of  the  sand.  Uniform  temperature  is  maintained  for  two  hours,  a 
tolerance  of  15  degrees  Fahr.  being  allowed  after  the  sand  reaches  600 
degrees  Fahr.  After  being  removed  from  the  oven,  the  sand  is  spread  in 
a  thin  layer  on  an  iron  core  bench  and  allowed  to  cool  for  two  hours.  It 
is  then  tempered  to  the  optimum  water  content  for  bond  strength  and 
allowed  to  temper  for  twenty-four  hours.  The  test  for  bond  strength  is 
made  in  accordance  with  the  procedure  of  the  Standard  Cohesiveness 
Test.  The  difference  between  the  bond  strength  of  the  heated  sample 
and  the  bond  strength  at  optimum  water  content  of  the  usual  sample  is 
the  loss  which  is  best  stated  as  percentage  of  the  maximum  bond  strength 
of  the  sample. 

The  durability  bond  test  data  given  in  Tables  30  and  31  were  obtained 
at  the  optimum  water  content  determined  by  the  usual  test.  Quite  prob- 
ably the  optimum  water  content  changes  somewhat  on  heating  and  al- 
though no  specific  data  can  be  advanced  in  support,  it  seems  probable 
that  excessively  high  or  excessively  low  bond-strength  losses  may  be  due 
in  part  to  migration  of  the  optimum  water  content.  The  importance  of 
this  factor  must  be  established  or  disproved  before  sands  testing  low  in 
durability  be  condemned  or  those  showing  a  high  durability  or  a  slight 
gain  be  accepted  with  full  confidence. 

RESULTS 

Not  enough  data  are  available  to  allow  conclusions  on  durability. 
Theoretically,  it  would  seem  that  sands  having  a  high  clay  content  would 
lose  a  higher  percentage  of  bond  strength  than  sands  of  less  clay  content 
bonded  by  the  surface  tension  of  the  water  film  surrounding  minute  crystal- 
line grains.  Table  7  gives  data  which,  in  general,  support  this  idea.  The 
samples  which  lost  less  bond  strength  had  a  higher  average  silt  content 
than  those  which  lost  a  high  percentage  of  bond  strength.  The  clay- 
content  data  show  no  definite  trend.  It  seems  probable  that  the  plasticity 
of  the  clay  and  the  grain  coating  of  limonite  are  so  important  that  each 
sand  is  highly  individual  in  its  behavior. 

While  the  relation  of  iron  oxide  bond  to  durability  was  not  studied 
in  any  detail,  it  is  interesting  to  note  that  Sample  No.  183  (Table  30), 
which  contained  only  iron-oxide  bond  lost  21.5  per  cent  of  its  bond  strength. 

NEED   FOR   FURTHER   STUDY 

It  is  hoped  that  the  physical  property  of  durability  will  receive  the 
attention  it  deserves.     Foundry  practice  is  the  final  judge  in  weighing  the 


34 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


value  of  any  test  and  a  check  by  plant-control  men  on  the  life  of  the  sands 
in  present  use  would  be  of  considerable  advantage. 

Table  7. — Relation  of  silt  and  clay  content  to  durability 


Bond  strength 

Number 

of 
samples 

Silt  (-270  mesh) 
Average  per  cent 

Clay 
Average  per  cent 

Per  Cent 

Gain   0 —  5 
Loss    0—  4.9 

4 
4 

36.4 
30.4 

11.6 
26.3 

Loss    5—  9.9 

11 

34.6 

16.3 

Loss  10—14.9 

8 

22.4 

13.9 

Loss  15—19.9 

7 

17.5 

14.4 

Loss  20—24.9 

4 

13.4 

15.9 

Loss  25—29.9 

4 

1.1.0 

16.8 

Loss  30—34.9 
Loss  35—39.9 

3 

2 

18.1 
9.4 

11.1 

22.7 

Permeability 
function 

Permeability  is  the  property  which  allows  the  passage  of  gas  through 
molding  sand,  or,  in  other  words,  it  is  continuous  porosity.  It  is  a  requisite 
property  of  molding  sand  for  the  reason  that  gases  from  the  molten  metal 
and  the  steam  developed  when  the  hot  metal  comes  in  contact  with  the 
damp  sand  of  the  mold,  must  have  free  vent.  The  data  on  natural  per- 
meability given  in  this  report  were  obtained  by  the  Standard  Permeability 
Test  recommended  by  the  Joint  Committee  on  Molding  Sand  Research,1 
which  is  as  follows: 


STANDARD   PERMEABILITY   TEST 
Permeability  Apparatus 

The  parts2  of  the  permeability  apparatus  are  as  follows:  Tank  A  (figs.  8  and  9) 
is  made  of  copper,  tin  lined,  and  is  provided  with  a  vertical  air  outlet  tube  coming  up 
through  the  bottom  of  the  same.  When  in  use  this  tank  is  partly  filled  with  water,  as 
described  in  paragraph  21.  A  stop-cock  is  provided  on  the  side  of  tank  A  at  the  bottom, 
to  drain  off  the  water  when  the  apparatus  is  not  in  use,  or  when  adjusting  the  water- 
level.  Bell  B  has  a  vertical  tube  (C-l,  fig.  9)  which  slides  inside  the  air  outlet  tube  (C-2, 
fig.  9)  in  tank  A.  Near  the  top  of  this  tube  are  several  vents  to  permit  the  air  to  be 
forced  out  of  bell  B.  A  three-way  valve  D  (shown  assembled  in  fig.  8)  is  attached  to  the 
lower  end  of  the  outlet  tube  from  tank  A.  The  opening  in  the  valve  should  not  be  too 
small,  preferably  not  less  than  .12  square  inches  (3  square  millimeters),  so  as  to  permit 
the  air  to  pass  through  freely.  The  parts  of  this  valve  are  shown  as  Dl  to  D4,  inclusive 
(fig.  9).  A  valve-indicator,  D3,  is  provided,  marked  "On,"  "Off,"  and  "Vent,"  to  show 
when  the  valve  is  in  position  to  let  air  from  bell  B  through  sand  in  sand  container  E;  to 
shut  off  flow  of  air  from  bell;  or  to  permit  air  to  enter  by-pass  while  raising  the  bell.    A 


>()]>.  (it. 

'■'Dimensions  of  the  different  parts  arc  given  on  the  parallel  perspective  drawing  (fig.  9). 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES PERMEABILITY 


35 


nipple  G,  over  which  fits  a  rubber  stopper  H,  which  is  held  in  place  by  two  locknuts  I  and 
J,  is  attached  to  the  lower  side  of  the  valve.  An  orifice-plate  K  for  use  in  rapid  work,  is 
screwed  into  the  lower  end  of  the  nipple  G.     One  of  the  orifice-plates  can  be  seen  on  the 


A 


Fig.  8. — Permeability  testing  apparatus.     The  apparatus  on  the  left  has  a  sand  container 

(E)  in  place  ready  for  testing. 


shelf  at  base  of  tank  (fig.  8A).  The  rubber  stopper  H  fits  into  a  sand  container  E.  In 
front  of  the  tank  A,  there  is  a  manometer  F,  having  a  scale  divided  into  centimeters  and 
millimeters.    This  connects  with  a  brass  tube  that  passes  down  through  the  rubber  stopper 


36 


MOLDING    SAND   RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


H.     All  parts  are  of  brass,  except  those  described  as  being  made  of  other  materials,  and 
except  the  stand  or  base. 

As  the  bell  B  sinks  into  the  water  in  tank  A,  it  forces  air  into  the  outlet  pipe 
C-l  (fig.  8)  through  the  valve  D  (fig.  8),  and  through  the  sample  of  sand  packed  in  the 


Fig.  9. — Parallel  perspective  drawing  of  permeability  testing  apparatus. 


container  E  (fig.  8A).  The  pressure  of  this  air  is  read  on  the  manometer  F.  Since  the 
pressure  recorded  on  the  manometer  depends  on  the  weight  of  the  bell  B,  and  on  its  cross- 
serf  ional  area,  the  weight  should  be  made  such  as  to  give  a  pressure  of  about,  but  not 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES — PERMEABILITY 


37 


less  than  1.1  ounce  per  square  inch  (5  grams  per  square  centimeter).1  There  should  also 
be  a  weight  provided,  which  can  be  placed  on  top  of  bell  B,  sufficient  to  increase  the  mano- 
meter pressure  reading  to  10  centimeters.  This  latter  pressure  is  more  convenient  for 
testing  very  fine  sands  and  for  rapid  work.     An  easily  graduated  weight  is  a  bag  of  shot. 

The  bell  B  has  several  lines  marked  on  it,  the  lowest  being  "X,"  the  second  "O," 
the  next  "1000"  and  the  fourth  "2000."  These  indicate  that  the  capacity  of  the  bell 
between  the  "O"  and  "1000"  marks  is  1000  cubic  centimeters  (61  cu.  in.),  and  between 
"O"  and  "2000"  it  is  2000  cubic  centimeters  (122  cu.  in.). 

The  object  of  having  the  mark  "X,"  which  is  about  z/±  inch  (19  millimeters) 
below  the  zero  mark,  is  to  insure  raising  the  bell  to  the  proper  height,  so  that  when  it  is 


Fig.  10. — Ramming  device  for  permeability  test 


necessary  in  a  standard  test  to  read  the  time  required  for  the  bell  to  sink  from  zero  to  1000 
or  2000,  the  zero  mark  will  be  clearly  visible. 

To  raise  the  bell,  turn  the  indicator  on  valve  plug  to  "Vent"  (fig.  9).  This 
allows  air  to  enter  through  the  by-pass  instead  of  having  to  be  drawn  through  the  sand. 
Then  turn  indicator  to  "Off,"  and  the  bell  will  remain  in  its  raised  position.  When  ready 
to  start  the  test,  turn  indicator  to  "On,"  and  the  bell  will  sink  as  air  is  forced  through 
the  valve. 

The  sand  container  E  (fig.  8A)  is  a  brass  cylinder  5  inches  (12.70  centimeters) 
high  and  2  inches  (5.08  centimeters)  inside  diameter. 

JIf  less  than  5  centimeters  pressure  is  recorded  the  bell  sinks  too  slowly  when  a  very  fine  sand  is  being 
tested.  The  amount  of  pressure  can  be  determined  by  attaching  the  empty  sand  container  to  the  apparatus, 
plugging  its  lower  end  with  a  cork,  and  opening  the  valve. 


38 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF   ILLINOIS 


The  sand  rammer  is  shown  in  figure  10,  with  detailed  drawings  in  figure  11.  It 
consists  of  a  steel  rod,  supported  by  two  guides.  A  steel  disc  is  attached  to  the  lower 
end  of  the  rod,  and  has  a  sliding  fit  in  the  sand  container  E  (fig.  8A).  A  cast  iron  rammer 
head,  weighing  14  pounds  (6350.36  grams),  slides  on  the  rod,  its  movement  being  regu- 
lated by  two  stops.     The  distance  between  these  stops  is  sufficient  to  permit  a  2  inch 


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Fig.  11. — Drawing  of  ramming  device  for  permeability  test 


(5.08  centimeters)  movement  of  the  rammer-head.  A  pedestal  is  provided  on  which  the 
sand  container  E  rests  while  sand  is  being  placed  in  it;  and  while  the  ramming  operation 
is  being  performed.     This  pedestal  is  shown  in  fig.  11. 

On  top  of  the  upper  steel  guide  is  attached  a  scale  with  3  lines  marked  on  it. 
If  the  upper  end  of  the  rammer  rod  is  between  the  upper  and  lower  of  these  lines  after 
the  third  ram,  it  indicates  that  the  sand  sample  is  within  the  allowable  limits  of  thickness. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES PERMEABILITY  39 

If  dry  sand  is  to  be  tested,  a  special  cap  having  a  20-mesh  brass  screen  bottom 
should  be  used,  to  slip  over  the  end  of  the  sand  container.  For  ramming  dry  sand  the 
pedestal  can  be  placed  upside  down  under  the  container.  This  supports  the  screen  during 
ramming,  and  keeps  the  sand  sample  at  proper  height  to  use  the  tolerance  marks  as  a 
guide. 

Preparation  of  Sample 

The  sample  to  be  tested  should  be  an  average  one,  representative  of  the  heap,  floor, 
car,  bank  or  other  source  from  which  it  is  taken. 

Tempering  of  Sand 

In  testing  sand  for  permeability  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  the  sand  be 
properly  sampled  and  uniformly  tempered.  For  plant  check  or  control  tests  upon  facing 
or  heap  sands  in  daily  use,  one  may  test  the  sand  as  tempered  for  molding. 

vSince  it  is  the  object  to  determine  the  maximum  permeability  under  suitable 
foundry  working  conditions,  in  the  examination  of  new  sands  experiments  should  in- 
variably be  made  with  several  water  contents  in  order  to  ascertain  that  amount  (optimum 
water  content)  which  develops  the  maximum  degree  of  permeability.  It  is  advisable  in 
most  cases  to  try  percentages  of  water  beginning  with  4  per  cent  and  increasing  by  stages 
of  2  per  cent,  up  to  and  including  at  least  8  per  cent.  Sometimes  it  will  be  found  difficult 
to  make  a  test  with  a  water  content  of  an  exact  predetermined  percentage.  The  per- 
missible extent  of  deviation  from  the  predetermined  amount  should  in  no  case  be  more 
than  one-half  per  cent,  and  can  be  intelligently  determined  by  the  careful  experimenter 
who  observes  critically  the  tendency  of  a  sand  to  show  widely  differing  permeability 
values  as  the  water  content  is  appreciably  changed.  A  deviation  not  exceeding  .2  per 
cent  (5.8  per  cent  or  6.2  per  cent  in  the  case  of  an  attempt  to  get  6  per  cent)  can  be  con- 
sidered as  entirely  satisfactory  for  the  determination  of  the  permeability  at  the  nearest 
fixed  percentage.  The  exact  percentage  of  moisture,  even  if  within  .2  per  cent,  should 
be  reported.  Supplementary  tests  with  lower  percentages  of  water  than  4  per  cent  and 
higher  percentages  than  8  per  cent  should  be  made  if  and  when  the  facts  ascertained 
justify  such  tests.  For  example,  when  a  cohesiveness  value  considered  proper  to  report 
is  obtained  on  a  sand  with  a  moisture  content  below  4  per  cent  or  above  8  per  cent  and  a 
permeability  value  on  the  sand  is  desired,  the  test  for  permeability  should  be  conducted 
with  the  sand  tempered  with  the  same  amount  of  water  as  in  the  case  of  the  cohesiveness 
test.  In  such  cases,  a  sufficiently  large  sample  of  sand  should  be  tempered,  to  permit 
making  both  of  these  tests. 

In  the  examination  of  new  sands,  proceed  as  follows:  Dry  1000  grams  of  sand, 
selected  according  to  the  directions  for  sampling  molding  sand,  for  one  hour  at  a  tem- 
perature not  below  105  degrees  Centigrade  nor  above  110  degrees  Centigrade.  Care 
should  be  exercised  to  spread  the  sand  over  a  large  area  in  a  thin  layer  in  order  to  expel 
all  the  moisture  in  a  given  time.  This  will  make  it  possible  to  add  the  proper  amount  of 
water  and  give  the  sand  the  desired  moisture  content. 

After  the  sand  has  cooled,  measure  out  the  desired  quantity  of  water,  adding 
sufficient  extra  water  (usually  from  one-fourth  to  one  per  cent)  to  allow  for  evaporation 
during  mixing.  Thus  if  it  is  desired  to  add  4  per  cent  water  and  one-half  per  cent  extra 
water  is  needed,  one  would  add  47  cubic  centimeters  (since  one  cubic  centimeter  of  water 
weighs  1  gram)  to  1000  grams,  and  secure  a  total  weight  of  1047  grams.1 

For  the  tempering  operation,  spread  the  sand  on  a  smooth  flat  dry  surface  in  a 
layer  about  1  inch  thick,  sprinkle  a  small  quantity  of  the  required  water  evenly  over  the 
sand,  and  work  the  latter  gradually.     Again  spread  it  into  a  thin  layer  and  repeat  the 


^Moisture  content  for  all  molding  sand  determinations  and  tests  is  to  be  expressed  as  the  percentage 
of  moisture  in  the  damp  sample  of  sand.  It  is  not  proper  to  calculate  the  amount  of  moisture,  proportionate 
to  the  weight  only  of  the  dry  sand. 


40  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

above  operations,  adding  more  water.  Continue  to  do  this  until  all  of  the  water  has  been 
thoroughly  distributed  through  the  sand.  There  should  be  no  dry  lumps  or  other  evidence 
of  uneven  tempering. 

The  sand  should  now  be  allowed  to  stand  in  order  that  the  maximum  temper 
may  be  developed.  To  secure  this  temper  place  the  sand  in  a  humidor  or  air  tight  re- 
ceptacle, and  allow  it  to  stand  for  24  hours.  After  this,  the  sample  is  ready  to  be  tested, 
as  below. 

Take  the  entire  sample  of  sand  from  the  humidor.  Pass  this  entire  sample 
twice  through  a  coarse  riddle  and  return  the  sand  as  quickly  as  possible  to  the  humidor 
or  receptacle.  From  this  take  sample  to  be  tested  for  permeability;  also  sample  to  be  tested 
for  moisture  content,  and  for  cohesiveness  if  desired. 

Ascertaining  Moisture  Content 

The  moisture  content  is  to  be  determined  as  follows:  Dry  100  grams  of  tempered 
sand  for  one  hour  between  105  degrees  and  110  degrees  Centigrade.  When  dry  re-weigh. 
The  loss  of  weight  in  grams  is  the  moisture  content  expressed  as  percentage. 

Ramming  of  Specimen 

Take  a  sufficient  quantity  (from  150  to  200  grams)  of  tempered  sand  to  make 
a  column  2  inches  (5.08  centimeters)  high,  with  a  tolerance  of  4  per  cent.  The  sand  should 
be  carefully  placed  in  the  container  E,  and  gently  leveled  off.  Place  pedestal  and  con- 
tainer with  sand  in  position  beneath  rammer.  Gently  lower  rammer-rod  with  head  into 
container  until  they  are  supported  by  the  sand.  Raise  rammer-head  to  the  upper  stop, 
and  let  fall.  Repeat  twice,  making  a  total  of  3  rams.  Note  whether  the  upper  end  of 
the  rod  is  within  the  tolerance  marks.  If  not,  discard  the  sample  and  put  in  another  lot 
of  tempered  sand  of  sufficient  quantity  to  yield  a  column  of  the  required  height.  This  is 
usually  accomplished  on  the  second  trial.  Lift  rammer-rod  until  disc  at  lower  end  of  rod 
is  free  from  the  sand  container,  and  take  container  off  pedestal. 

Measurement  of  Air  Flow 

Fill  tank  A  with  water  to  within  4%  inches  (12.2  centimeters)  of  the  top.  Before 
attaching  sand  container  with  specimen,  open  valve  D,  and  raise  bell  B  until  mark  "X" 
appears.  Then  close  valve  D.  Attach  sand  container  to  rubber  stopper  H,  moistening 
sides  of  stopper  before  applying,  to  prevent  air  leakage.  Open  valve  D.  Note  scale  on 
side  of  bell  B,  and  as  cup  sinks,  and  zero  mark  on  scale  passes  edge  of  tank  A,  start  stop- 
watch. Read  pressure  in  manometer  tube  as  soon  as  the  pressure  reading  becomes  steady. 
The  instant  the  "2000"  mark  on  bell  B  reaches  upper  edge  of  tank  A,  the  stop-watch 
should  be  stopped  and  time  recorded.  This  represents  the  time  required  to  force  2000 
cubic  centimeters  of  air  through  the  sand.  The  time  and  pressure  obtained  as  above, 
are  to  be  used  as  described  in  paragraphs  22  to  24  inclusive. 

Calculation  of  Permeability 

The  degree  of  permeability  as  determined  by  this  test  is  found  by  employing  a 
formula.  By  its  use,  permeability  is  ascertained  as  the  volume  of  air  per  minute,  per 
gram  per  square  centimeter  pressure,  per  unit  volume  in  specimen. 

Permeability  equals  the  number  of  cubic  centimeters  of  air  forced  through  the 
sand  specimen,  multiplied  by  the  height  of  the  sand  specimens  in  centimeters;  and  this 
product  divided  by  the  product  of  the  pressure  in  grams,  the  area  of  the  sand  specimen 
in  square  centimeters,  and  the  time  in  minutes.     Thus 

cm8  of  air  x  cm  height  of  specimen 
Permeability  = 


grams  pressure  x  cm-  area  of  specimen  x  minutes 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES DYE  ADSORPTION  41 

The  method  of  conducting  the  permeability  test  herein  described  calls  for  2000 
cubic  centimeters  of  air  to  be  forced  through  the  specimen;  5.08  centimeters  (2  inches) 
to  be  the  height  of  the  specimen;  and  20.268  square  centimeters  (3.1416  sq.  in.)  to  be 
the  area  of  the  specimen.  These  fixed  quantities  are  therefore  substituted  as  constants 
in  an  equation  as  follows: 

2000  *  5.08 

Permeability  = 

20.268  x  grams  pressure  x  minutes 

Reduced  to  its  simplest  terms  this  equation  reads: 

501.2 
Permeability  =  


grams  pressure  x  minutes 
FACTORS    INFLUENCING   PERMEABILITY 

Of  the  several  factors  influencing  permeability,  the  most  important 
is  the  size-grade  distribution.  Maximum  permeability  is  obtained  with 
well-sorted  sand  and  the  permeability  is  lowered  by  the  addition  of  finer 
size  grades,  the  decrease  being  more  marked  the  finer  the  admixture. 
Silt  ( — 270-mesh)  is  the  most  important  size  grade  influencing  permeability, 
for  a  small  amount  of  silt  greatly  reduces  the  permeability  of  sand. 

The  clay  and  moisture  contents  of  the  sand  also  affect  permeability. 
If  the  clay  is  well  distributed  over  the  sand  grains,  an  unnecessarily  high 
bond  strength  may  be  obtained  in  company  with  low  permeability.  It  is 
quite  possible,  with  the  same  amount  of  clay,  to  have  both  a  satisfactory 
bond  strength  and  a  sufficient  permeability,  by  varying  the  mixing  of  the 
sand  or  by  changing  the  moisture  content.  And  a  sand  which  is  weak 
but  very  permeable  may  be  milled  until  the  clay  is  evenly  distributed, 
when  it  will  have  satisfactory  strength  and  still  retain  sufficient  permea- 
bility. 

Dye  Adsorption 
value  of  testing 

"The  application  of  the  dye  adsorption  phenomenon  to  molding  sand 
is  solely  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  nature  of  the  clay  substance 
present.  Different  sands  possess  widely  different  adsorption  capacities, 
and  this  difference  is  due  exclusively  to  the  quantity  of  colloidal  material 
present.  The  colloids  in  molding  sands  are  mostly  of  an  inorganic  nature; 
hydrated  aluminum  silicate,  hydrated  iron  oxide,  hydrated  silicic  acid 
and  other  hydrated  minerals.  All  of  these  constituents  are  of  a  gelatinous 
and  sticky  nature  and  they  impart  to  the  sand  the  property  of  bond. 
Strongly  bonded  molding  sands  commonly  possess  clay  substance  that  is 
high  in  colloid  content  as  measured  by  the  dye  adsorption  test.  The 
weaker  bonded  sands  generally  show  a  lower  dye  adsorption  figure  cor- 
responding to  the  smaller  quantity  of  colloids  present  in  the  clay  substance 
of  those  sands."1 

STANDARD  DYE  ADSORPTION  TEST1 
Procedure 

1.    Twenty-five  grams  of  molding  sand,  dried  for  1  hour  at  a  temperature  which  shall  not 
be  lower  than  105  degrees  Centigrade  nor  higher  than  110  degrees  Centigrade,  are  weighed 
'Op.  cit. 


42 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


into  a  500  cubic  centimeter  wide-mouth  bottle  fitted  with  a  glass  stopper,  and  300  cubic 
centimeters  of  distilled  water,  plus  5  cubic  centimeters  of  10  per  cent  ammonium  hydrate, 
are  added.  The  bottle  is  then  stoppered,  sealed  with  paraffin  wax,  and  rotated  in  a  suit- 
able machine  for  30  minutes  (any  machine  such  as  that  used  in  the  Standard  Fineness 
Test,  making  approximately  60  revolutions  per  minute  and  up-ending  the  bottle  with 


Fig.  12. — Color  comparison  tube  holder  with  tubes  in  place. 


each  revolution,  is  satisfactory).  At  the  end  of  this  period  90  cubic  centimeters  of  dis- 
tilled water  are  added,  plus  5  cubic  centimeters  of  10  per  cent  acetic  acid.  Crystal  violet 
dye  is  then  added  in  sufficient  weight  to  allow  for  the  adsorption  by  the  colloidal  matter 
and  leave  a  slight  excess.  For  molding  sands  of  weak  bond,  0.125  grams  of  dye  is  a  good 
amount  to  start  with;  while  the  stronger  sands  require  an  addition  of  0.150-0.300  grams 
or  more  of  dye.  After  adding  the  crystal  violet  the  bottle  is  sealed  again  and  rotated  for 
another  30-minule  period.     If  all  the  dye  is  taken  up  by  the  colloidal  matter,  more  should 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES — BASE  PERMEABILITY  43 

be  added,  as  it  is  necessary  that  an  excess  of  dye  be  present  over  that  required  to  satisfy 
the  adsorption  capacity  of  the  colloids. 

2.  In  order  to  determine  the  amount  of  dye  adsorbed  by  the  sand  it  becomes  neces- 
sary to  find  the  quantity  unadsorbed  or  held  in  solution.  If  the  test  is  allowed  to  stand 
over  night,  suspended  material  settles  out,  leaving  a  clear  solution  of  the  dye,  and  the 
dye  unadsorbed  can  be  determined  by  color  comparison.  The  standard  color  solution  is 
made  up  by  dissolving  0.500  grams  of  crystal  violet  in  500  cubic  centimeters  distilled 
water.  Twenty-five  cubic  centimeters  of  the  clear  dye  solution  are  taken  from  the  test 
by  a  pipette  and  run  into  one  of  a  pair  of  "carbon"  comparison  tubes,  such  as  are  used 
in  steel  analysis  (as  shown  in  the  illustration  of  a  colorimeter  (fig.  12)  diluted  to  50  cubic 
centimeters  and  thoroughly  mixed.  Forty  cubic  centimeters  or  more  of  distilled  water 
are  added  to  the  second  comparison  tube,  and  the  standard  dye  solution  added  from  a 
burette  until  the  color  matches  that  of  the  test  in  question,  taking  care  that  the  final 
volume  is  the  same  in  both  tubes.  If  it  required  2.5  cubic  centimeters  (0.0025  grams)  in 
the  standard  tube  to  match  the  color  in  the  test,  then  we  have  0.0025  grams  of  dye  un- 
adsorbed in  25  cubic  centimeters  or  0.040  grams  in  400  cubic  centimeters.  This  figure 
is  subtracted  from  the  amount  of  dye  added  to  the  test,  multiplied  by  4,  and  the  result 
expressed  as  milligrams  of  dye  adsorbed  per  100  grams  of  sand. 

Notes 

Electrolyte.  The  presence  of  ammonium  acetate  in  the  test  is  helpful  in  that  its 
presence  tends  to  bring  about  rapidly  the  subsidence  of  the  fine  particles  which  otherwise 
would  remain  in  suspension.  It  has  no  serious  effect  on  crystal  violet.  The  addition  of 
ammonium  hydrate  acts  as  a  partial  deflocculator  and  thereby  breaks  up  the  agglomera- 
tions of  clay  or  other  bonding  substances. 

Dye.  Only  the  highest  grade  of  crystal  violet  should  be  used.  Impure  dye  gives 
low  figures  and  is  unstable.  Standard  dye  solution  should  be  kept  in  the  dark,  and  a 
fresh  quantity  should  be  prepared  frequently. 

Used  Sands.  The  dye  adsorption  test  cannot  be  relied  upon  for  all  grades  of  used 
sands.  Impurities  present  in  some  heap  sands,  as  for  example,  sea-coal,  iron  scale,  organic 
binders,  etc.  seriously  affect  the  adsorption  results. 

Dye  Concentration.  The  final  concentration  of  crystal  violet  should  be  not  less  than 
0.024  grams,  or  more  than  0.060  grams,  in  400  cubic  centimeter  volume.  A  greater  excess 
of  dye  gives  high  reading.  After  making  a  few  tests  it  is  a  simple  matter  to  judge  the 
density  of  the  clear  dye  solution,  and  it  is  essential  that  the  proper  concentration  is  ob- 
tained before  the  test  settles  overnight. 


Dye  adsorption  tests  were  made  by  Mr.  W.  M.  Saunders  on  135  molding  sands. 
These  data  are  included  in  Tables  30  and  31,  Chapter  VI. 

Base  Permeability 
function 

Base  permeability  is  the  permeability  of  only  the  sand  grains  of  a 
natural-bonded  molding  sand.  Hence,  it  is  affected  only  by  the  factor 
of  size-grade  distribution.  Its  importance  lies  in  the  fact  that  as  the  clay 
is  burned  from  a  molding  sand  heap,  the  sand  grains  are  left  and  upon 
the  addition  of  hew  sand  the  size-grade  distribution  is  changed.  For 
example,  if  a  sand  has  a  high  silt  content,  and  the  sand  and  silt,  plus  the 
burnt-out  clay,  are  put  back  into  the  heap  and  new  sand  containing  the 
original  percentage  of  silt  plus  clay  is  added,  the  silt  percentage  increases. 


44  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

In  actual  practice  the  new  sand  added  is  usually  a  sand  with  a  high  per- 
centage of  clay,  but  which  contains  also  much  silt.  This  increases  the  rate 
of  silt  accumulation  and  its  attendant  lowering  of  permeability. 

STANDARD   BASE    PERMEABILITY  TEST 

Approximately  three  hundred  grams  of  sand  are  treated  in  the  same 
manner  as  for  the  fineness  test,  in  order  to  eliminate  the  clay.  The  dried 
sand  is  poured  through  a  funnel  into  a  two-inch  glass  tube,  upon  which 
is  a  mark  indicating  the  volume  of  sand  that  forms  a  two-inch  column 
when  rammed  in  the  permeability  cylinder.  The  quantity  of  sand  neces- 
sary varies  slightly  with  certain  sands  according  to  their  degree  of  com- 
paction. A  screen,  200-mesh  for  fine  samples  and  100-mesh  for  coarser 
samples,  is  used  in  the  end  of  the  permeability  cylinder.  The  sand  in  the 
glass  tube  must  be  examined  for  bedding  into  laminae  of  various-sized 
grains,  particularly  the  silt,  the  relative  amount  of  lamination  indicating 
the  difficulty  involved  in  obtaining  a  uniform  mix  of  all  grades.  The  sand 
is  poured  evenly  from  the  glass  tube  into  the  permeability  cylinder.  Some 
sorting  is  inevitable  with  some  sands  and  experience  will  teach  a  rate  of 
pouring  that  will  minimize  this  error.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  jar  or 
"shake  down"  the  sample  before  ramming.  A  screen  on  the  upper  surface 
is  advisable.  The  permeability  is  obtained  by  the  standard  method, 
already  described.  The  sand  is  returned  to  the  original  receptacle  and 
another  sample,  taken  from  the  remixed  total  sample,  is  tested.  Sorting 
of  grain  sizes  by  pouring  the  sand  into  the  cylinder  is  a  serious  difficulty 
and  may  produce  a  silt  layer  which  is  more  impermeable  than  the  sample 
as  a  whole.  A  check  as  definite  as  is  obtained  in  natural  permeability  tests 
is  seldom  possible,  if  the  same  tolerance  of  height  of  sand  cylinder  is  used. 
At  least  five  runs  should  be  made  to  obtain  a  fair  average. 

FACTORS  DETERMINING  BASE  PERMEABILITY 
SIZE   GRADE    DISTRIBUTION 

The  influence  of  size  grade  distribution  upon  base  permeability  is 
shown  in  Table  8.  It  is  clear  that  the  rate  of  decrease  of  base  permeability 
is  progressively  greater  the  finer  the  admixture.  It  is  no  less  clear  that 
once  the  base  permeability  is  reduced  by  the  presence  of  fine  material, 
it  can  not  be  materially  increased  except  by  addition  of  a  large  proportion 
of  coarse  sand. 

SAND-SILT   MIXTURE 

Table  9  shows  the  reduction  in  permeability  of  70-mesh  sand  by  ad- 
mixture of  silt.  The  amount  of  reduction  is  progressively  less  with  the 
increase  in  proportion  of  silt  until  finally  further  admixture  fails  to  reduce 
the  permeability.  This  is  probably  due  to  "saturation"  or  the  filling  of 
all  interstices  with  silt.  The  further  addition  of  silt  beyond  the  limit 
shown  in  Table  9  resulted  in  the  formation  of  layers  of  silt  within  the  sand. 
Figures  13  and  14  are  microphotographs  of  the  sand  and  silt  used  in  this 
test. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES BASE  PERMEABILITY 


45 


SHAPE    OF    GRAIN 


The  influence  of  shape  of  grain  on  base  permeability  is  relatively  un- 
important. Ottawa  silica  sand,  made  up  of  well-rounded  grains;  sand 
from  Albany  molding  sands,  reputed  to  be  very  angular;  and  a  mixture 


Table  8. — Base  permeability  of  mixtures  of  various  size  grades 


On  40 


On  70 


Mesh 


On  100 


On  200 


270 


Base 
permeability 


Per  cent 


Per  cent 
100.0 


50.0 

33.0 
25.0 
20.0 
42.8 


Per  cent 


Per  cent 


Per  cent 


100.0 

50.0 
50.0 
33.0 
25.0 
20.0 
14.3 


100.0 

50.0 
33.0 
25.0 
20.0 
14.3 


236.7 
56.8 
25.8 
82.7 
29.4 
32.8 
6.7 
8.9 
19.2 


Table  9. — Base  permeabilities  of  mixtures  of  sand  (70-mesh)  and  silt  {—270-mesh) 


On  70-mesh 

—  270-mesh 

Base  permeability 

Per  cent 

Per  cent 

100.0 

236.7 

96.8 

3.2 

165.7 

93.7 

6.3 

96.0 

90.9 

9.1 

79.1 

88.3 

11.7 

58.1 

85.6 

14.4 

27.8 

83.4 

16.6 

21.4 

81.1 

18.9 

20.1 

of  twenty  Illinois  molding  sands,  which  appeared  as  angular  as  the  cor- 
responding size  grade  of  Albany,  were  used  in  the  tests  (see  fig.  13  and 
figs.  15  to  19,).  Each  average  represents  ten  trials  of  five  samples  (Table 
10).  The  round  grains  give  the  highest  base  permeability  in  all  grades 
except  70-mesh.  The  permeability  of  Albany  and  the  Illinois  mixture  are 
of  the  same  degree  excepting  the  200-mesh  grade,  in  which  the  Albany  is 
much  lower.  It  is  probable  that  Illinois  natural-bonded  molding  sands  do 
not  have  sufficient  grain-shape  variations,  one  sand  with  another,  to  cause 
differences  in  base  permeability. 


46 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF   ILLINOIS 


Fig 


-Microphotograph  (x24)  of  70-mesh  size  grade  separate  of  a  mixture  of  twenty 
Illinois  sands.  This  size  grade  separate  was  used  in  obtaining  base-per- 
meability data  given  in  Tables  9  and  10. 


Fig.  14. — Microphotograph    (x24)   of  silt   of    —  270-mesh   size  grade,  used   in   obtaining 
base-permeability  data  given  in  Table  9. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES BASE  PERMEABILITY 


47 


Fig.  15. — Microphotograph  (x24)  of  Ottawa  silica  sand  of  40-  and  70-mesh  size  grades. 
The  70-mesh  size  grade  was  used  in  obtaining  base-permeability  data  given 
in  Table  10. 


Fig.  16. — Microphotograph  (x24)  of  Ottawa  silica  sand  of  100-mesh  size  grade  used  in 
obtaining  base-permeability  data  given  in  Table  10. 


48 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Fig.  17. — Microphotograph  (x24)  of  Albany  sand  of  100-mesh  size  grade  used  in  obtaining 
base-permeability  data  given  in  Table  10. 


FlG.  18. — Microphotograph  (x24)  of  Ottawa  silica  sand  of  200-mesh  size  grade  used  in 
obtaining  base-permeability  data  given  in  Table  10. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES FINENESS 


49 


Relation  of  Relative  Fineness  to  Bond  Strength 
and  Permeability 

It  is  recognized  that  the  relative  fineness  of  a  sand  has  a  distinct 
relation  to  physical  properties.  Table  1 1  shows  the  average  bond  strength 
and  permeability  of  sands  grouped  according  to  the  size  grade  of  highest 
percentage.  The  bond  strength  decreases  with  decrease  in  fineness  down 
to  200-mesh  and  then  rises  to  a  maximum  in  those  samples  having  their 
clay  grade  higher  in  percentage  than  any  other  single  grade.  The  anomaly 
of  the  high  bond  strength  of  the  140-mesh  group  is  due  to  too  few  samples; 


Fig.  19. — Microphotograph  (x24)  of  a  200-mesh  size,  grade  separate  of  a  mixture  of  twenty 
Illinois  sands.  This  was  used  in  obtaining  base-permeability  data  given  in 
Table  10. 

if  the  100-and  140-mesh  groups  had  been  averaged  together,  a  more  repre- 
sentative figure  would  have  been  obtained.  Both  natural  and  base  per- 
meabilities decrease  to  the  —  270-grade,  and  increase  at  the  clay  grade. 

Relation  of  Relative  Fineness  to  Optimum  Water  Content 

The  relation  of  relative  fineness  to  the  optimum  water  content  is 
shown  in  Table  12.  The  tests  show  that  those  sands  with  the  maximum 
size-grade  percentage  on  200  mesh  or  above,  have  maximum  bond  strength 
and  permeability  when  the  water  content  is  from  4  per  cent  to  6  per  cent, 
and  that  sands  with  maximum  size  grade  percentage  of  silt  (  —  270  mesh) 
or  clay  grades,  tend  to  maximum  development  of  these  properties  between 
6  per  cent  and  8  per  cent. 


50 


MOLDING   SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


Table  10. — Base  permeability  of  size  grades,  with  grains  of  contrasting  shapes. 


Base  permeability 

Size  grade 

Ottawa  silica 

Albany 

Mixture  of  grains 
from  20  Illinois  sands 

70 
100 
140 
200 

228.7 
84.3 
53.1 
32.7 

.... 
60.4 
50.1       - 
14.9 

236.7 
56.8 
44.2 

25.8 

Table  11. — Average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  samples  of  same  maximum  size  grade 


Bond  strength 

Permeability 

Size  grade 

Number 

Base 

of  maximum 
percentage 

of 
samples 

Per  cent  water 

permeability 

4 

6 

8 

4 

6 

8 

40 

1 

273.8 

249.6 

233.6 

208.8 

156.6 

104.4 

113.4 

70 

44 

265.2 

263.5 

238.8 

82.7 

67.7 

49.0 

71.2 

100 

9 

233.9 

202.5 

174.0 

44.2 

37.8 

31.7 

31.7 

140 

3 

264.6 

255.9 

218.5 

37.4 

38.1 

29.4 

31.7 

200 

5 

212.2 

198.2 

174.1 

26.9 

27.9 

24.6 

27.1 

-270 

46 

214.3 

222.4 

211.6 

10.6 

11.0 

10.2 

11.2 

Clay 

8 

285.1 

270.4 

274.8 

38.6 

41.0 

32.2 

46.5 

Relation  of  Size  Grade  Distribution  to  Bond 
Strength  and  Permeability 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  relation  of  relative  fineness  to  bond 
strength  and  permeability  is  rather  definite  it  is  of  interest  to  introduce 
the  factor  of  size  grade  distribution.  Table  13  shows  the  average  bond 
strength  and  permeability  of  sands  grouped  according  to  the  two  highest 
size  grade  percentages.  The  bond  strength  follows  the  same  trends  as 
shown  in  Table  11  and  in  addition,  when  the  size  grade  of  maximum  per- 
centage remains  constant,  the  averages  of  bond  strength  and  permeability 
increase  with  increase  of  size  of  the  size  grade  of  second-highest  percentage, 
excepting,  of  course,  the  clay  grade.  This  relation  is  very  clean  cut  in  the 
case  of  base  permeability,  which  is  effected  only  by  size-grade  distribution. 
Table  14,  a  detail  of  Table  13,  shows  base  permeability  only. 

A  further  discussion  of  the  relation  of  fineness,  particularly  size-grade 
distribution,  to  physical  properties,  is  included  in  Chapter  V. 


PHYSICAL  PROPERTIES REFRACTORINESS 


51 


Table  12. — Optimum  water  content  of  samples  of  same  maximum  size  grade 


Size  grade 

of  maximum 

percentage 

Number 

of 
samples 

Bond  strength 

Permeability 

Per  cent  water 

4 

6 

8 

4 

6 

8 

40 

70 

100 

140 

200 

-270 

Clay 

1 

44 

9 

3 

5 

46 

8 

1 

21 

9 

2 

4 

16 

17 

1 

1 

20 

2 

6 

10 
6 

1 

27 
6 
2 
2 

16 
2 

13 
3 
1 
3 

16 
4 

4 

14 

2 

Color 

The  color  of  a  molding  sand  is  due  to  the  degree  of  oxidation  of  the 
iron  in  the  clay.  Much-weathered  molding  sand  is  very  red  in  color;  less- 
weathered  sands  are  yellowish-red  to  buff.  The  least  oxidized  are  those 
sands  which  come  from  the  soil  zone,  the  zone  of  reduction.  They  are 
dark  gray  or  black  in  color.  Color,  then,  is  a  function  of  weathering  and 
is  to  some  degree  indicative  of  a  sand's  history.  Many  foundrymen  judge 
molding  sands  by  color,  and  would  hesitate  to  use  a  sand  whose  appearance 
differs  only  in  color  from  a  sand  which  has  proved  satisfactory.  Among 
many  other  correlations  of  color  with  physical  properties,  it  is  well  known 
that  sands  from  the  same  locality  are  commonly  the  same  color;  that  red 
sands  are  generally  heavy  sands  with  a  sticky  bond;  and  that  light  yellow 
sands  are  likely  to  burn  on.  A  few  of  these  adages  are  prejudices  or 
opinions,  but  many  are  true,  and  some  are  so  old  that  the  reason  has  been 
forgotten. 

Refractoriness 

Refractoriness  is  resistance  to  heat,  the  degree  of  which  is  determined 
by  the  melting  point.  Lack  of  refractoriness  expresses  itself  in  "burning 
on,"  or  the  fluxing  of  sand  and  its  inclusion  in  the  casting  and  in  pits  on 
the  casting  surface.  These  two  effects  are  due  to  different  manifestations 
of  lack  of  refractoriness.  "Burning  on"  arises  from  the  actual  fluxing  of 
the  clay  and  fine  silt,  for  these  finer  size  grades  tend  to  melt  more  readily 
because  of  their  small  size.  Pits  on  the  casting  surface  are  caused  by  the 
fluxing  of  grains  of  a  given  mineral,  commonly  calcium  carbonate,  which 
burns  out  at  a  relatively  low  temperature.  The  tendency  of  the  clay  and 
fine  silt  to  melt  is  probably  due  not  only  to  their  small  size  but  to  their 
chemical  composition  as  well.  Such  lack  of  refractoriness  may  be  deter- 
mined only  by  test.    Most  natural-bonded  sands  have  sufficient  refractori- 


52 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


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PHYSICAL    PROPERTIES CHEMICAL  COMPOSITION 


53 


Table  14. — Average  base  permeability  of  samples  grouped  according  to  the  two  size  grades 

of  highest  percentage 


Size  grade  of  highest 
percentage 

Size  grade  of  second-highest  percentage 

40 

70 

100 

140 

200 

-270 

Clay 

40 

70 

100 

140 

200 

-270 

Clay 

244.8 

113.4 

'38.7 

'  11.3 

114.8 

55!9 

37*3 
27.8 
14.6 
30.0 

26^2 

26^9 
15.0 
31.2 

44.3 
20!5 
13^5 

17^5 
13.5 

'6^5 

68*8 
8^6 

ness  for  gray-iron  use,  at  1800°  F.  In  Illinois  the  presence  of  calcium  car- 
bonate depends  largely  upon  the  degree  of  weathering  of  the  sand,  as  all 
unweathered  sands  derived  from  glacial  material  contain  calcium  car- 
bonate. The  color  of  the  sand  is  a  fair  index  of  the  presence  of  calcium 
carbonate,  the  deep  red  sands  being  free  of  lime,  and  the  lighter-colored 
sands  containing  quantities  of  lime,  either  in  grains  or  disseminated 
throughout. 

Chemical  Composition 

No  chemical  analyses  were  made  for  this  report.  A  qualitative  test, 
the  application  of  a  few  drops  of  hydrochloric  acid  to  the  sand,  was  made 
for  free  calcium  carbonate  and  those  samples  which  gave  a  positive  reaction 
were  listed  as  calcareous. 

It  seems  apparent  that  a  statement  of  the  physical  properties  of  a 
sand,  in  terms  of  Standard  Tests,  is  of  more  value  to  the  foundryman 
than  a  chemical  analysis,  as  the  specific  property  in  which  the  sand  is  defi- 
cient may  be  shown  by  physical  tests.  Tests  for  refractoriness  are  neces- 
sary to  gauge  the  refractoriness  of  the  sand  as  the  CaO  (calcium  oxide) 
of  the  chemical  analysis  does  not  necessarily  mean  free  CaC03  (calcium 
carbonate) .  The  correct  interpretation  of  a  chemical  analysis  of  a  molding 
sand  is  a  matter  for  an  expert. 


CHAPTER  III— ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF 
MOLDING  SANDS 

Practical  Value  of  Geologic  Study 

The  geology  of  molding  sand  deposits  should  be  of  interest  to  both 
the  sand  producer  and  the  foundryman  for  the  reason  that  the  physical 
properties  of  a  sand  and  its  bond  are  dependent  upon  the  manner  of  deposi- 
tion and  the  degree  of  weathering  of  the  deposit  from  which  it  comes. 

It  is  not  to  be  presumed  that  the  foundrymen,  enlightened  by  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  geology  of  a  given  molding  sand  deposit,  can  directly  proceed 
to  make  a  better  casting  by  application  of  that  knowledge.  Rather,  the 
understanding  that  there  is  a  relation  between  the  origin  and  the  physical 
properties  of  molding  sand  should  enable  the  foundryman  to  trace  sand 
troubles  more  intelligently,  and  should  lead  him  to  an  appreciation  of 
the  possibilities  of  deposits  and  of  the  problems  which  confront  the  sand 
producer. 

The  problem  of  the  sand  producer  is  to  dig  and  market  the  best  sand 
available  from  his  deposit.  The  problem  of  the  foundryman  is  to  deter- 
mine the  physical  properties  of  the  sand  best  suited  to  his  work  and  to 
purchase  that  sand  as  economically  as  possible.  If  the  origin  has  definite 
correlation  with  the  physical  properties  and  the  foundryman  knows  what 
physical  properties  are  ideal  for  his  work,  tests  of  properly  taken  pit  samples 
will  indicate  whether  or  not  a  suitable  sand  may  be  produced  from  the 
deposit. 

Scope  of  Discussion 

A  discussion  of  the  geology  of  molding  sand  deposits  adequate  to 
the  scope  of  the  subject  can  not  be  included  in  this  report.  Neither  the 
exposition  of  fundamental  geologic  principles  which  apply  to  the  forma- 
tion of  molding  sand,  nor  the  many  details  of  evidence,  peculiar  to  each 
deposit,  combinations  of  which  serve  as  a  basis  for  interpretations,  can 
be  enumerated. 

Age  of  Natural-Bonded  Molding  Sands  of  Illinois 

The  natural-bonded  molding  sands  of  Illinois  are  young,  as  geologic 
age  is  reckoned,  being  of  glacial  (Pleistocene)  age. 

conditions  during  the  pleistocene  period 

During  the  Pleistocene  period  Illinois  was  invaded  by  four  ice  sheets, 
which  successively  advanced  from  the  Canadian  area,  and  receded.  Each 
ice  sheet  brought  great  quantities  of  boulders,  gravel,  sand,  and  clay  which 
had  been  picked  up  farther  north  by  the  slowly  moving  ice.  As  the  ice 
melted,  this  material  was  deposited,  and  by  the  evidence  of  those  deposits, 
the  areal  extent  of  each  ice  sheet  at  its  farthest  advance  can  be  determined. 

54 


ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF  MOLDING  SANDS  55 

The  melting  of  the  ice  gave  rise  to  streams,  which  were  laden  with  glacial 
sediments.  The  amount  of  sediment  was  so  great  in  many  cases  that 
the  streams  partly  filled  their  valleys  with  sand  and  gravel,  not  only  in 
the  glaciated  areas  but  to  a  considerable  distance  downstream  beyond  the 
farthest  advance  of  each  sheet.  This  gave  rise  to  extensive  alluvial  flats 
in  wide  valleys  from  which  sediment  was  picked  up  by  the  wind  and  carried 
to  higher  elevations  and  deposited.  During  the  time  intervening  between 
the  invasions  of  the  several  ice  sheets  and  also  during  the  time  since  the 
last  invasion,  the  streams  resumed  the  lowering  of  their  beds  by  the  re- 
moval of  a  part  of  the  sediment  which  choked  their  valleys.  The  growth 
of  vegetation  greatly  reduced  the  areas  in  which  movement  of  sediment 
by  the  wind  might  be  accomplished. 

All  deposits  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand  known  in  Illinois  are 
related  in  origin  directly  or  indirectly  to  the  glaciation  of  the  State.  They 
are  products  of  a  general  condition  which,  in  its  relation  to  the  accumu- 
lation of  deposits  of  sand,  differed  from  present  conditions  only  in  the 
fact  that  a  vastly  greater  quantity  of  sand  was  directly  available  to  the 
streams  so  that  their  beds  were  thus  being  built  up  rather  than  cut  down 
as  at  present. 

Processes  of  Accumulation  of  Natural-Bonded 
Molding  Sand 

The  natural  processes  by  which  sand  was  transported  and  deposited 
during  Pleistocene  time  were  perhaps  different  in  degree  from  those  of  to- 
day, but  doubtless  identical  in  principle.  An  outline  of  the  processes 
which  must  have  been  active  from  time  to  time  and  to  various  extents  in 
the  accumulation  of  the  natural-bonded  molding  sands  of  Illinois,  is  given 
below.  The  different  processes  and  their  several  phases  will  be  considered 
in  the  order  outlined. 

1.  Disruption 

a.  Mechanical 

b.  Chemical 

2.  Transportation 

a.  Glacial 

b.  Fluvial 

c.  Eolian 

3.  Deposition 

a.  Glacial 

b.  Fluvial 

c.  Eolian 

DISRUPTION 

The  primary  source  of  all  sand  is  pre-existing  rock.  Disruption,  or 
breaking  down  of  rock,  may  be  accomplished  chemically,  by  decomposition 
and  solution;  or  mechanically,  by  the  breaking  of  rock  into  fragments. 
Chemical  decomposition  is  most  active  on  the  rock  minerals  of  least  stable 
chemical  composition,  reducing  them  to  an  insoluble  residue  which  is 
termed  clay,  that  part  which  is  dissolved  being  carried  away  by  water. 


56  MOLDING    SAND   RESOURCES   OF   ILLINOIS 

The  mechanical  disruption  of  rock  may  be  variously  accomplished,  but 
temperature  change,  which  causes  alternate  expansion  and  contraction 
of  the  rock  itself  and  of  the  water  and  ice  in  the  pores  and  cracks  of  the 
rock,  is  one  of  the  very  important  agencies.  Most  of  the  sand  of  the 
natural-bonded  molding  sand  deposits  in  Illinois  is  a  product  of  mechanical 
disruption,  the  grinding  during  transport  by  glacial  ice  being  an  important 
agency. 

A  large  amount  of  the  chemically  less  stable  minerals  in  any  sand 
deposit  indicates  that  chemical  decomposition  was  less  important  than 
mechanical  disruption.  Decomposition  may  continue  in  such  a  sand  after 
deposition,  as  will  be  explained  later. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Transportation  is  the  movement  of  the  products  of  disruption.  Glaciers 
brought  sand  from  great  distances  to  Illinois,  streams  concentrated  it  and 
carried  it  beyond  the  glaciated  areas,  and  winds  shifted  such  sediment  as 
was  readily  available. 

SORTING    EFFECT 

Glaciers  transport  all  sizes  of  material  without  sorting.  Streams 
move  gravel,  sand,  silt,  clay  and  dissolved  salts;  but  with  a  given  velocity, 
they  can  pick  up  and  carry  sediment  only  up  to  a  certain  size,  all  larger 
fragments  being  left  behind.  The  finer  sediment  can  be  moved  by  low 
velocities  and  progressively  greater  velocities  are  required  to  move  coarser 
material.  An  ordinarily  sluggish  creek  may  pick  up  and  carry  sand  dur- 
ing a  flood;  but  as  the  flood  stage  subsides,  only  fine  sand  and  silt  will 
be  carried,  at  a  still  lower  stage  only  clay  will  be  transported,  and  finally 
at  low  water,  the  stream  will  be  clear,  its  velocity  being  too  low  for  it  to 
carry  sufficient  clay  to  make  the  water  turbid.  Thus,  streams  tend  to 
sort  sediment  according  to  size. 

The  wind  generally  picks  up  and  transports  only  sand,  silt,  and  clay, 
when  such  material  is  loose,  dry,  and  unprotected  by  vegetation.  Its 
tendency  to  sort  sediment  into  size  grades  is  more  pronounced  than  that 
of  streams  for  the  reason  that  smaller,  lighter  particles  rise  higher  and  are 
carried  farther  than  the  larger  heavier  particles. 

DEPOSITION 

A  sediment  is  said  to  be  deposited  when  it  comes  to  rest  after  having 
been  transported.  Glacial  deposition  is  largely  due  to  the  melting  of  the 
ice  releasing  the  enclosed  sediment.  Fluvial  and  eolian  deposition  is  due 
to  the  decrease  in  the  velocity  of  the  transporting  medium  below  that 
required  to  keep  a  given  grain  in  movement. 

SORTING  BY  AGENTS  OF  DEPOSITION 

Glacial. — Glacial  deposition  forms  an  unsorted  deposit,  in  which  sand 
is  mixed  with  gravel,  boulders,  and  clay.  No  molding  sand  is  to  be  found 
in  glacial  deposits  proper. 

Fluvial. — Fluvial  deposition  tends  to  sort  the  sediment  carried  in 
suspension  into  size  grades.     If  a  swift  stream  carrying  sediment  gradually 


ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF  MOLDING  SANDS  57 

decreases  in  velocity  downstream,  the  coarse  sand  and  gravel  is  dropped 
first,  then  progressively  finer  material,  and  finally,  in  almost  still  water, 
the  clay  is  deposited.  Thus,  the  completeness  of  the  sorting  at  any  one 
point  depends  upon  the  rate  of  decrease  of  velocity.  It  is  clear  that  uni- 
form fineness  must  depend  upon  constant  conditions  of  deposition  over  a 
considerable  time. 

Of  all  the  fluvial  deposits  seen,  those  which  had  the  closest  approach 
to  uniform  fineness  throughout  considerable  thicknesses  and  over  consider- 
able areas,  were  the  fluvial-glacial  deposits  of  Bond  and  Fayette  counties, 
which,  from  all  evidence,  were  rapidly  deposited  by  a  shallow  broad  stream 
whose  source  was  at  the  melting  edge  of  an  ice  sheet. 

The  deposition  of  a  bed  of  sand  and  clay  without  fine  sand  and  silt  is 
an  impossibility.  There  is  a  remote  possibility  that  alternate  layers  of 
sand  and  of  clay  might  be  deposited  in  such  proportion  that  the  resulting 
section  could  yield  molding  sand.  Streams  vary  so  greatly  in  velocity 
at  the  same  point  at  different  times  and  at  nearby  points  at  the  same  time 
that  their  deposits  must  vary  in  fineness  in  both  horizontal  and  vertical 
directions. 

Eolian. — After  sediment  has  been  picked  up  by  the  wind,  its  place  of 
deposition  will  depend,  in  part  at  least,  upon  its  size  and  weight,  the  light 
particles  being  blown  higher  and  carried  farther.  With  a  certain  wind 
velocity  the  coarse  sand  may  move  by  short  leaps,  the  finer  sand  by  longer 
leaps,  and  the  clay  remain  in  suspension  for  long  distances.  The  size 
grade  which  moves  very  slowly  is  concentrated  in  dunes,  the  finer  material 
is  winnowed  out  and  carried  away.  Sand  dunes,  therefore,  occur  very 
close  to  a  source  of  sand.  The  sand  contained  in  a  dune  is  well  sorted 
and  of  remarkably  uniform  fineness.  The  finer  windborne  sediment  which 
is  removed  from  a  flat  is  deposited  on  the  slope  and  rim  of  the  valley  wall 
and  on  the  hilltops  beyond.  In  Illinois  the  prevailing  winds  have  evidently 
been  from  west  to  east  as  both  the  slope  mantle  of  sand  and  the  hilltop 
loess  are  thicker  east  of  the  flats  than  west.  The  deposits  mantling  the 
slopes  contain  variable  proportions  of  sand  and  silt,  but  most  of  the  hill- 
top deposits  are  silt  of  fairly  uniform  fineness. 

Processes  Active  After  Accumulation  of  Sands 

Glaciers  transport  and  deposit  sand,  silt,  and  clay  without  sorting; 
but  streams  and  winds  tend  to  deposit  these  different  sorts  of  sediment 
separately.  A  stream  or  wind  deposit  which  contains  originally  both 
sand  and  clay,  must  contain  also  the  intermediate  grades  of  fine  sand  and 
silt.  As  some  natural-bonded  molding  sands  are  an  intimate  mixture  of 
sand  and  clay  without  fine  sand  and  silt,  obviously  processes  additional 
to  those  already  considered  must  operate  to  produce  such  deposits. 

Formation  of  Clay  Bond  by  Weathering 

After  the  deposition  of  sand,  chemical  disruption  may  again  proceed, 
bringing  about  the  decomposition  of  any  minerals  which  are  not  chemically 
stable.     The  insoluble  residue  is  left  in  the  interstices  between  the  grains. 


58 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


In  this  way  a  deposit  of  well-sorted  sand,  originally  without  bond, 
under  certain  conditions  of  weathering  may  become  a  usable  molding  sand. 

If  the  processes  of  disruption  instrumental  in  producing  sand  grains 
from  the  original  rock  are  largely  mechanical,   many  of  the   less-stable 


Fig.  20. — Clayey  bands  in  sand  in  road  cut  exposure,  2l/i  miles  south  of  Homberg,  Pope 
County.     The  molding  sand  section  is  numbered  3. 


minerals  become  sand  grains  and  are  transported  and  deposited  along  with 
the  quartz  grains.  After  deposition  of  well-sorted  sand,  the  continuance  of 
the  chemical  processes  of  disruption  results  in  the  dissolution  of  the  calcite, 
and,  to  some  degree,  the  feldspar  sand  grains,  the  dissolved  portion  being 


ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF  MOLDING  SANDS  59 

carried  away  by  ground  water,  leaving  a  residue  of  clay  between  the  quartz 
grains. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  CLAYEY  BANDS 

Such  weathering  action  tends  to  produce  a  clayey  stratum  of  brick- 
red  color,  friable  when  damp  and  very  hard  when  dry.  The  "heavy" 
layer,  as  it  is  called  by  the  molding  sand  producer,  may  be  a  single  thick 
horizontally  continuous  layer,  or  it  may  be  a  series  of  thin  horizontal 
layers,  from  an  inch  to  a  foot  thick,  separated  by  somewhat  thinner 
layers  of  sharp,  clean  sand. 

The  banding,  for  such  is  its  appearance  when  viewed  in  vertical 
section,  is  generally  considered  to  be  stratification  due  to  deposition  of  layers 
of  sharp  sand  and  of  clayey  sand,  but  such  is  clearly  not  the  case.  Many 
deposits  of  windblown  sand  which  are  uniformly  sorted  from  top  to 
bottom  contain  clayey  bands  which  bear  no  relation  to  depositional  strati- 
fication. In  some  deposits  several  stratified  layers  of  different  fineness 
may  be  included  in  a  single  clayey  band,  the  boundaries  of  which,  however, 
in  general  coincide  with  the  boundaries  of  the  stratified  layers.  Figure  20 
represents  the  banding  as  seen  in  a  roadcut  two  and  one  fourth  miles 
south  of  Homberg,  Pope  County.  Four  distinct  layers  are  present,  as 
follows : 

4.     Loam  —  reduced  clay 

3.     Medium  sand ;  weathered  bond  in  bands.    A  is  clay  bands,  B,  sharp 

sand 
2.     Fine  silty  sand;  some  weathered  bond 
1.     Gravelly  sand  with  little  weathered  bond,  but  iron  stained 

Layers  1  and  2  are  stream-terrace  deposits;  3  is  a  windblown  sand 
derived  from  the  stream- terrace  deposits;  and  4  is  soil,  probably  deposited 
by  wind  on  a  vegetated  surface. 

There  is  no  relation  between  the  thickness  of  the  clayey  bands  and 
the  total  thickness  of  the  sand  in  the  deposit  unless  the  total  thickness 
of  the  sand  pinches  out  to  less  than  the  thickness  of  the  clayey  bands,  in 
which  case  the  thickness  of  the  banded  zone  is  governed  by  that  of  the 
deposit.  In  a  deposit  of  uniform  fineness  the  clayey  bands  are  parallel 
to  the  top  of  the  sand  deposit  and  in  their  initial  stages  are  within  a  foot 
of  the  surface. 

CONDITIONS  OF  FORMATION  OF  CLAYEY  BANDS 

Age  of  deposit. — Of  the  several  important  conditions  which  govern 
the  amount  of  clay  present  and  the  thickness  of  the  bands,  the  length  of 
time  during  which  the  processes  of  weathering  have  been  active  is  the  most 
important.  Sand  dunes  or  stream  bars  of  recent  age  contain  no  similar 
clayey  bands.  The  sand  deposits  of  Jo  Daviess,  Winnebago,  Boone, 
McHenry,  Kane,  Lee,  Ogle,  Rock  Island,  Bureau,  Will,  Hancock,  Hen- 
derson, Tazewell,  Sangamon,  Cass,  and  the  counties  adjacent  to  Wabash 
River  nowhere  have  a  clayey  layer  of  more  than  5  feet  thick  and  the  av- 
erage thickness  is  much  less  than  a  foot,  as  there  are  large  numbers  of 
sand  deposits  in  which  the  clayey  layer  is  not  thick  enough  or  heavy 


60  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

enough  to  produce  molding  sand.  The  sand  deposits  in  these  counties 
are  younger  in  age  than  the  deposits  in  Bond  and  Fayette  counties,  in 
which  the  clayey  layers  range  from  5  to  15  feet  in  thickness. 

Presence  of  overlying  soil. — The  presence  of  soil  on  the  surface  of  the 
sand  deposit  appears  to  be  a  contributing  factor  to  the  thickness  and 
amount  of  clay  present  in  the  clayey  bands.  It  seems  possible  that  a  part 
of  the  clay  found  in  the  clayey  bands  may  be  derived  from  the  soil  above. 
The  protective  action  of  the  vegetable  emulsoids  released  from  the  decay 
of  vegetable  matter  in  the  soil  may  operate  to  hold  clay  in  colloidal  sus- 
pension while  it  is  being  transported  by  the  descending  surface  water. 
The  vegetable  emulsoids,  being  unstable  organic  compounds,  may  be  oxi- 
dized on  reaching  the  sand  below,  causing  the  flocculation  of  the  colloidal 
matter  and  the  deposition  of  the  clay.  Within  the  clayey  bands  all  quartz 
grains  are  coated  with  limonite,  which  grain  coating  is  requisite  to  high 
bond  strength  and  offers  a  considerable  problem  in  the  manufacture  of 
synthetic  sands.  Thus,  the  formation  of  bands  proceeds  downwards 
from  the  surface  of  the  sand  deposit,  both  the  clay  infiltrated  from  the  soil 
and  the  clay  residual  from  the  decomposition  of  the  less  stable  grains  being 
concentrated  in  the  clayey  bands. 

Topographic  position. — The  surface  elevation  relative  to  the  ground- 
water level  is  of  importance  in  some  deposits,  as  the  clayey  layer  is  thicker 
and  more  clayey  in  the  more  elevated  parts  of  the  deposit,  the  difference 
being  more  pronounced  in  those  deposits  which  are  geologically  older. 

Process  of  formation. — The  details  of  the  process  resulting  in  the  band- 
ing of  a  sand  deposit  into  alternate  layers  of  clayey  sand  and  sharp  sand 
are  not  clear,  but  it  may  be  possible  that  the  descending  solution  must 
reach  a  certain  depth  before  the  concentration  of  oxygen  is  sufficient  to 
oxidize  the  protective  colloids  and  cause  precipitation  of  the  colloidal  clay. 
The  upper  horizontal  surface  of  a  single  band  is  nearly  plane  while  the 
lower  surface  is  somewhat  undulating  with  additional  small  projections 
and  stringers.  An  impression  is  gained  that  the  clay  is  removed  from  the 
top  of  the  clay  band  and  redeposited  on  the  bottom.  Certain  it  is  that  in 
an  advanced  stage  the  clayey  layers  thicken  to  form  a  single  thick  layer, 
continuous  from  the  top  downward,  below  which  are  thin  layers  in  process 
of  formation.  Thus  the  fluvio-glacial  sands  of  Bond  and  Fayette  counties, 
which  are  the  oldest  deposits  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand  in  Illinois, 
contain  continuous  clayey  layers  to  depths  varying  from  5  to  12  feet,  below 
which  are  thin  layers,  alternating  with  layers  of  sharp  sand. 

Geologic  Classification  of  Molding  Sand  Deposits 

The  origin,  or,  more  properly,  the  manner  of  deposition  of  any  one 
molding  sand  deposit  is  the  result  of  a  combination  of  geologic  processes 
and  no  two  deposits  are  laid  down  under  identical  conditions.  It  is  possi- 
ble, however,  to  determine  which  process  was  predominantly  active  in  the 
formation  of  any  given  deposit.  This  offers  a  means  of  classification  which 
indicates  both  the  topographic  form  and  the  predominating  agent  of  depo- 
sition.    Table  29,   Chapter  VI,   is  a  statement  of  the  kinds  of  natural- 


ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF  MOLDING  SANDS 


61 


bonded  molding  sand  deposits  found  in  each  county  and  the  number  of 
producers  in  each. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  kinds  of  deposits  and  the  agent  of  deposition: 

Alluvial  deposits Fluvial  (stream)  deposits 

Loess Eolian  (windblown)  deposits 

Slope  mantles Eolian  (windblown)  deposits 

Old  dunes  on  terraces Eolian  (windblown)  deposits 

Old  dunes  on  upland Eolian  (windblown)  deposits 

Stream  terraces Fluvial  (stream)  deposits 

Fluvio-glacial Fluvial  (stream)  deposits 

ALLUVIAL    DEPOSITS 

Alluvial  deposits  are  found  on  flood  plains  of  creeks  and  rivers.     Sand 
suitable  for  molding  is  most  likely  to  occur  close  to  the  river  bank;  the 


Fig.  21. — Loess  ridge  at  crest  of  valley  wall  of  Mississippi  River, 
of  Collinsville,  Madison  County. 


234  miles  northwest 


overburden  is  very  thin;  but  no  generalizations  can  be  made  as  to  the 
thickness  of  the  workable  section.  Alluvial  deposits  commonly  are  worked 
to  supply  only  local  needs.  The  only  known  production  in  Illinois  is  in 
Rock  Island  County.  This  kind  of  deposit  is  widespread  but  it  can  not 
be  rated  as  a  true  molding  sand  and  is  not  included  in  the  estimate  of  the 
State's  available  molding  sand. 


LOESS 


Loess  mantles  a  considerable  portion  of  the  area  of  Illinois,  but  in 
most  places  it  is  less  than  10  feet  thick,  which  is  about  the  minimum  thick- 
ness for  the  profitable  production  of  molding  sand. 


62  MOLDING   SAND    RESOURCES   OF   ILLINOIS 

Loess  is  thickest  on  the  east  rims  of  the  valleys  of  the  Mississippi, 
Illinois,  and  Rock  rivers.  In  Jo  Daviess,  Whiteside,  Hancock,  and  Hen- 
derson counties,  workable  thicknesses  cap  the  hilltops  for  a  distance 
several  miles  from  the  valley  wall.  In  some  localities,  as  in  Madison 
County,  loess  deposits  are  topographically  evident  as  a  discontinuous 
ridge  capping  the  crest  of  the  valley  wall.  (See  fig.  21.)  It  is  commonly 
exposed  in  highway  and  railroad  cuts  in  the  northern  counties  adjacent 
to  the  Mississippi,  and  the  counties  along  Illinois  River. 

The  overburden  may  consist  of  from  1  to  3  feet  of  weathered  loess,  in 
which  the  clay  is  so  sticky  that  it  is  unfit  for  molding  sand.  Some  of  the 
pit  sections  are  20  feet  thick  and,  except  on  the  crest  of  the  valley  wall, 
the  fineness  is  relatively  uniform  vertically  and  horizontally.  The  upland 
loess  at  the  rims  of  the  valleys  contains  thin  layers  of  coarser  grains  but  is 
not  of  value  as  molding  sand.  All  loess  which  is  of  suitable  fineness  for 
use  as  molding  sand  contains  grains  of  lime  carbonate  which  are  of  silt 
size  or  larger.  Some  of  these  are  small  shell  fragments  and  others  are 
concretions,  but  in  either  case  they  burn  out,  leaving  a  pitted  casting  sur- 
face. This  lack  of  refractoriness  prohibits  extensive  use  of  loess  and  re- 
duces the  importance  of  the  extensive  deposits.  Loess  is  produced  in 
Jo  Daviess,  Winnebago,  Whiteside,  Rock  Island,  Henderson,  Hancock,  and 
Adams  counties,  and  occurs  on  the  property  of  producers  in  Henry,  Cass, 
Madison,  and  St.  Clair  counties,  but  was  not  being  produced  in  1923. 

WINDBLOWN    SLOPE    MANTLES 

Slope  mantles  formed  by  wind  are  in  most  cases  associated  with  loess 
deposits  (fig.  22)  and  in  all  cases  represent  deposition  under  extremely 
variable  conditions.  The  deposits  occur  most  commonly  on  slopes  of  east 
valley  walls  of  large  rivers.  As  the  material  is  derived  from  the  valley 
flats  or  terraces,  the  most  favorable  location  for  slope-mantle  deposits  is 
just  east  of  wide  sandy  stream  terraces,  sandy  flood  plains,  or  old  lake 
beds.  The  molding  sand  is  thickest  and  coarsest  grained  at  the  base  of 
the  slope  and  thinner  and  finer  at  higher  levels.  Considerable  variation 
in  fineness  is  inevitable,  in  both  vertical  and  horizontal  directions.  The 
coarser  sand  normally  contains  some  weathered  bond  and  is  consequently 
lime  free;  but  the  finer  sands  are  less  weathered  and  may  even  be  calcar- 
eous, especially  in  those  deposits  lying  on  a  slope  capped  by  loess.  Sand 
washed  from  the  upper  slope  may  make  up  a  very  considerable  part  of  the 
thickness  toward  the  base  of  the  slope.  Such  mixture  of  slope  wash  and 
windblown  material  greatly  increases  the  variability  of  the  deposit.  Mold- 
ing sand  is  produced  from  slope-mantle  deposits  in  Adams,  Cass,  Hancock 
Henderson,  Henry,  Kane,  Madison,  Will,  and  Winnebago  counties,  and 
Kendall,  Lawrence,  and  Whiteside  counties  contain  unworked  slope- 
mantle  deposits. 

OLD    DUNES    ON    TERRACES 

Molding  sand  deposits  are  relatively  uncommon  in  old  dunes  on 
terraces  notwithstanding  the  considerable  total  areas  of  terraces  upon 
which  are  windblown  deposits.  The  flatness  of  terrace  areas  gives  ample 
opportunity   for  the  wind  to  remove  the  soil  and  shift  the  sand  about, 


ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF  MOLDING  SANDS 


63 


sorting  it  and  depositing  in  low  dunes.  Dunes  which  occupy  protected 
positions  may  become  covered  with  soil  so  as  to  prevent  re-working  by  the 
wind.  If  such  dunes  remain  stationary  long  enough,  the  sands  are  weath- 
ered and  clayey  bands  are  formed,  rendering  the  deposit  suitable  for  molding 
sand.  But  so  much  time  is  necessary  that  few  soil-covered  dunes  on  ter- 
races contain  workable  thicknesses  of  molding  sand,  and  the  maximum 
thickness  observed  was  4  feet.  Although  many  old  terrace  dunes  contain 
well-sorted  sand  with  limonite  grain  coating,  the  clay  percentage  is  not 
sufficient  for  adequate  bond  strength.     Greater  bond  strength  could  be 


Fig.  22. — Topography  of  slope-mantle  deposit.     Valley  wall  of  Mississippi   River,   2^2 
miles  northwest  of  Collinsville,  Madison  County. 


produced  by  adding  clay  overburden  but  the  risk  of  inclusion  of  siltfis 
great.  The  limonite-coated  dune  sand  plus  a  fireclay  bond  would  be  more 
desirable. 

Topographically  the  old  dunes  are  low  rounded  knolls,  commonly 
isolated,  but  in  some  places  merging  to  form  irregular  ridges  or  slightly 
elevated  undulating  areas.  Excellent  examples  are  located  on  a  terrace 
of  Wabash  River,  two  miles  east  of  Carmi,  White  County.  Molding  sand 
is  produced  from  old  dunes  on  terraces  in  Peoria,  Rock  Island,  and  Will 
counties.  Small  unworked  deposits  occur  in  Henderson  County  and  more 
extensive  deposits  in  Henry,  Lawrence,  Pope,  Tazewell,  and  White  counties. 


OLD    DUNES    ON    UPLANDS 


Old  upland  dunes  are  most  common  on  glacial  moraines  and  it  is 
probable  that  the  sand  came  in  most  cases  from  adjacent  outwash  deposits. 
In  all  essential  respects  as  regards  suitability  for  molding  sand,  they  are 
similar  to  old  dunes  on   terraces.     Many  of  them  are   not  conspicuous 


64  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

topographically,  but  appear  as  rounded  ungullied  hills.  Exposures  of  the 
red  clayey  layers  are  seen  in  roadcuts,  paralleling  the  surface  of  the  sand 
deposits.  The  exposure  of  the  edge  of  the  molding  sand  may  in  some 
places  be  traced  in  a  cultivated  field  by  the  prevalence  of  hard  reddish 
clods  from  the  clayey  layers.  Molding  sand  is  produced  from  old  dunes 
on  uplands  in  Bureau,  Fayette,  Kane,  and  Will  counties.  A  small  unworked 
deposit  occurs  in  Shelby  County. 

STREAM    TERRACES 

The  mixtures  of  primarily  deposited  sand  and  clay  which  are  suitable 
for  molding  sand  are  rarely  found  in  stream-terrace  deposits.  Mixtures 
of  sand  and  silt,  without  the  weathered  clay  bond  necessary  for  the  forma- 
tion of  molding  sand,  are  the  rule.  Molding  sands  in  stream-terrace 
deposits  vary  in  fineness.  It  is  conceivable  that  a  deposit  of  uniform 
fineness  might  be  laid  down,  but  only  under  exceptionally  uniform  con- 
ditions. 

I  Stream  terraces  are  flats  or  slightly  undulating  surfaces  of  higher  ele- 
vation* than  the  flood  plains  of  the  streams.  As  weathering  is  necessaiy 
to  the  formation  of  the  clayey  layer,  the  terrace  sand  deposit  must  lie  un- 
disturbed over  a  long  period  of  time  if  molding  sand  is  to  result.  Many 
stream-terrace  surfaces  are  partly  covered  by  sharp  sand  being  shifted 
by  the  wind,  and  include  areas  in  which  there  are  no  clayey  layers  and 
other  areas  directly  adjacent  under  which  clayey  bands  occur  buried  by 
several  feet  of  sharp  sand.  The  finding  of  molding  sand  deposits  in  stream- 
terrace  deposits  which  are  covered  by  shifting  sand  is  largely  a  matter  of 
chance.  Numerous  hand-auger  borings  were  made  in  what  were  con- 
sidered the  most  likely  spots  on  the  extensive  sandy  terraces  of  both  Mis- 
sissippi and  Illinois  rivers  and  no  workable  deposits  were  found.  Ex- 
posures of  molding  sand  may  be  found  in  the  terrace  sands  of  Wabash  and 
Green  rivers.  Jo  Daviess,  Kane,  McHenry,  and  Will  counties  have  pro- 
ducing deposits  of  this  kind  and  unworked  deposits  are  found  in  Boone, 
Henry,  Jackson,  La  Salle,  Marshall,  Ogle,  Peoria,  Pope,  Rock  Island,  and 
Tazewell  counties. 

FLUVIO-GLACIAL    DEPOSITS 

Some  of  the  deposits  classified  as  of  stream-terrace  origin  are  undoubt- 
edly parts  of  valley  trains  and  hence  might  be  classified  as  fluvio-glacial. 
Their  classification  is  based  upon  topographic  form.  The  deposits  which 
are  classified  in  this  report  as  fluvio-glacial  are  contained  in  the  fragmentary 
ridges  which  occur  in  Bond  and  Fayette  counties  and  which  are  a  part  of  a 
widespread  system.  These  fragmentary  ridges  are  termed  "ridged  drift" 
by  Leverett1  and  are  mapped  as  Illinoian  in  age.  Concerning  the  texture 
of  the  material  composing  them  he  says: 

"The  entire  system  of  ridges  is  composed  largely  of  typical  till,  blue  till  being  present 
in  the  lower  portions  and  brown  till  near  the  surface.  In  a  few  cases  gravel  and  sand  have 
been  found,  but  such  material  is  so  rare  that  railways  have  not  found  it  expedient  to 
obtain  ballast  from  these  ridges." 


iLeverett,  Frank,  Illinois  Glacial  Lobe:    u.  S.  Geol.  Survey  Monograph  38,  p.  71,  t8<n>. 


ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF  MOLDING  SANDS 


65 


Till  is  an  unsorted  mixture  of  boulders,  cobbles,  pebbles,  sand,  silt, 
and  clay.  Such  was  the  texture  of  the  upper  6  feet  of  the  drift  ridges 
examined  in  Madison  and  St.  Clair  counties.  In  Bond  and  Fayette 
counties  the  drift  ridges  are  capped  by  1  to  4  feet  of  loess  ( ?)  below  which  is 
either  sandy  till  or  well-sorted  sand  containing  horizontal  or  nearly  hori- 
zontal pebble  or  cobble  bands.  The  sand  has  been  weathered  to  such  an 
extent  that  weathered  clayey  bands  extend  to  a  depth  of  7  to  15  feet.     In 


Fig.  23. — Basal  3  feet  of  9-foot  molding  sand  section  of 
fluvio-glacial  material.  Pit  of  G.  Nicol  and 
Son,  Tamalco,  Bond  County. 

those  parts  of  the  ridges  where  sand  is  found,  the  sand  is  apparently  con- 
tinuous as  it  is  exposed  both  in  ravines  and  on  the  uplands.  That  sand  and 
gravel  continues  to  a  considerable  depth  as  shown  by  the  following  well 
records  cited' by  Leverett.1 

A  coal  boring  at  Greenville,  which  is  on  a  drift  ridge,  penetrated  204 
feet  of  drift,  all  except  the  first  10  feet  of  which  was  sandy  or  gravelly.     In 


'Idem.  pp.  750-753. 


66  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

the  vicinity  of  Woburn,  wells  on  low  drift  ridges  encountered  40  feet  of 
gravel.  Wells  on  the  drift  ridges  about  a  mile  south  of  Vandalia  are  re- 
ported to  pass  largely  through  sand. 

The  uniformity  of  the  lower  limit  of  size  of  the  sand  grains,  as  shown 
by  fineness  tests  of  sands  taken  from  sections  of  several  pits,  implies  very 
uniform  conditions  of  deposition  over  a  considerable  period  of  time,  not 
only  in  a  given  place,  but  in  a  number  of  places.  The  presence  of  nearly 
horizontal  pebble  and  cobble  bands  (fig.  23)  is  indicative  of  a  very  shallow 
current,  as  pebbles  and  cobbles  may  be  rolled  in  the  shallows  of  an  ag- 
grading stream.  The  absence  of  lenses  and  pockets  points  to  a  constantly 
aggrading  stream. 

The  fact  that  the  deposits  are  part  of  a  drift  ridge  is  suggestive  of 
morainic  conditions,  and  the  scarcity  of  bedded  sand  in  other  parts  of  the 
ridge  perhaps  indicates  that  the  Bond  and  Fayette  County  deposits  were 
formed  by  a  stream  which  carried  the  englacial  drainage  of  a  considerable 
area.  The  uniformity  of  fineness  indicates  uniform  conditions  of  deposi- 
tion.    Possibly  deposition  was  by  a  shallow,  swift,  sand-choked  stream. 

The  drift  ridges  (see  county  descriptions,  Chapter  VI)  of  Bond  and 
Fayette  counties  undoubtedly  contain  very  large  supplies  of  molding  sand 
of  uniform  fineness.  The  excellent  sorting  of  the  limonite-coated  sand, 
the  absence  of  silt,  and  the  ample  percentage  of  strong  clay,  give  a  com- 
bination of  high  permeability  and  bond  strength  which  should  make  this 
sand  one  of  the  best  for  medium  and  heavy  work.  The  thickness  and 
uniformity  of  the  available  section  simplifies  production.  It  is  not  prob- 
able that  extensive  deposits  of  molding  sand  will  be  found  in  drift  ridges 
in  other  counties. 

Relation  Between  Physical  Properties  and  Origin 

fineness 

The  fineness  of  a  deposit  as  a  whole  is  dependent  upon  the  source  of 
the  sediment,  upon  the  prevailing  velocity  of  the  transporting  agent,  and 
upon  the  prevailing  rate  of  decrease  of  velocity.  The  degree  of  uniformity 
is  proportionate  to  the  uniformity  of  the  conditions  which  prevailed.  The 
size-grade  distribution  of  the  sand  of  any  vertical  section  of  a  deposit  is 
in  proportion  to  the  variability  of  the  conditions  governing  the  deposition. 
Uniform  conditions  under  which  the  sand  is  sorted  will  build  up  a  deposit 
yielding  but  few  grades;  variable  conditions,  each  phase  of  which  sorts 
the  sand,  will  build  a  deposit  in  which  more  grades  are  represented.  Very 
coarse  and  very  fine  material  will  be  absent  in  both  cases.  Uniform 
conditions  under  which  poorly  sorted  sediments  are  deposited  will  result 
in  a  sand  with  a  wide  range  of  size  grades,  but  in  which  the  size-grade 
distribution  is  uniform  throughout  the  section.  Variable  conditions  in 
which  each  phase  deposits  a  poorly  sorted  sediment  will  result  in  a  deposit 
which  has  a  variable  size-grade  distribution. 

Table  15  shows  the  average  fineness  of  Illinois  molding  sands  grouped 
by  origin.  Fluvio-glacial,  terrace-dune,  and  upland-dune  sands  are  well 
sorled  and  have  low  silt  percentages.     Slope-mantle  sands  are  not  well 


ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF  MOLDING  SANDS 


67 


sorted  and  have  a  high  silt  percentage.  Stream  terrace  and  alluvial  sands 
have  size-grade  maxima  at  200-mesh,  and  high  silt  percentages.  Loess 
averages  65  per  cent  silt. 

BOND    STRENGTH 

Bond  strength  is  dependent  upon  the  kind  and  amount  of  clay,  the 
limonite  coating  of  grains,  and  the  surface  tension  of  the  water  films  sur- 
rounding crystalline  grains.  The  amount  of  clay  is  indicated  by  the 
fineness,  as  is  the  proportion  of  fine  crystalline  grains.  All  other  things 
being  equal,  those  sands  which  have  been  longest  weathered  contain  the 

Table  15. — Average  fineness  of  groups  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands  of  similar  origin 


Origin 

Number 

of 
samples 

Size  grade 

12 

20 

40 

70 

100 

140 

200 

270 

-2  70 

Clay 

Total 

Fluvio-glacial 

Terrace  dunes 

Upland  dunes 

14 
17 
13 
36 
22 
4 
10 

7 
2 

1.5 
1.3 

.3 

"a 

5.6 

5.4 

1.6 

.5 

1.2 

.6 

.2 

37.0 
30.3 
30.8 
15.4 
12.5 
4.4 
3.8 

15.4 
16.2 
21.5 
15.9 
10.9 
11.6 
4.4 

7.2 
11.3 
10.7 
10.5 
10.0 
19.7 

3.8 

4.6 

9.5 

7.8 

10.6 

13.5 

20.3 

6.9 

1.1 

1.9 
2.0 
3.9 
6.4 
6.0 
4.8 

7.5 
6.2 
7.4 
26.3 
25.9 
23.1 
65.3 

18.5 
16.7 
17.1 
16.2 
18.9 
13.5 
10.2 

99.1 
99.0 
99.2 
99.3 

Stream  terrace 

99.4 
99.2 

Loess 

99.4 

Table  16. — Averages  of  bond  strength,  permeability  and  dye  adsorption  of  Illinois  natural- 
bonded  molding  sands  by  groups  of  similar  origin 


Origin 


Fluvio-  glacial . 
Terrace  dunes. 
Upland  dunes . 
Slope  mantle. . 
Stream  terrace 

Alluvium 

Loess 


Bond  Strength 

Permeability 

Numbei 
of 

Dye 

Adsorp- 

Samples 

tion 

4 

6 

8 

4 

6 

8 

14 

317.6 

324.5 

279.7 

116.7 

87.8 

66.2 

2206 

17 

264.8 

255.6 

221.3 

92.6 

73.0 

54.2 

1             / 

13 

265.4 

258.1 

231.3 

73.2 

66.3 

47.0 

1   2060J 

36 

229.3 

226.1 

213.8 

20.3 

20.3 

17.4 

1960 

22 

204.2 

218.3 

217.6 

20.0 

21.7 

19.3 

1794 

4 

214.4      218.3 

212.7 

15.7 

14.2 

13.1 

2634 

10 

199.1      204.5 

194.9 

6.1 

6.3 

6.3 

1712 

Base 
Permea- 
bility 


101.8 
80.2 
61.8 
18.0 
21.5 
16.3 
8.1 


lowest  ratio  of  silt  to  clay.  There  are  many  sands  containing  much  silt 
which  also  contain  clay  derived  by  weathering,  but  if  depositional  con- 
ditions were  such  as  to  allow  the  silt  to  accumulate  it  is  entirely  possible 
that  some  of  the  clay  was  originally  deposited,  so  that  such  sands  have  their 
clay  derived  from  two  sources.  The  presence  of  limonite-coated  grains 
is  a  qualitative  indication  of  weathering,  for  a  deposit  may  have  coated 
grains  but  contain  very  little  weathered  clay.  In  very  fine  sands  all  the 
clay  may  have  been  primarily  deposited  and,  if  the  proportion  of  clay  is 
very  small,  the  bond  strength  may  be  largely  derived  from  the  surface 
tension  of  the  water  films  surrounding  the  grains. 

DURABILITY 

The  relation  of  durability  to  origin  probably  goes  back  to  the  original 
source  and  the  kind  and  degree  of  the  processes  of  disruption.     In  the  case 


68  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

of  Illinois  natural-bonded  molding  sands  there  is  at  present  no  basis  for 
distinctions  in  degree  of  durability. 

PERMEABILITY 

As  the  degree  of  permeability  is  dependent  upon  the  size-grade  dis- 
tribution of  the  sand  and  upon  the  amount  of  clay  and  its  distribution  upon 
the  sand  grains,  differences  in  fineness  must  cause  differences  in  permea- 
bility. All  other  things  being  equal,  coarser  sands  are  more  permeable 
than  fine,  and  of  two  sands  of  the  same  relative  fineness,  the  less  silty  will 
be  more  permeable.  The  size-grade  distribution  being  the  same,  the  sand 
with  the  less  clay  will  be  the  more  permeable. 

DYE    ADSORPTION 

Dye  adsorption  tests  were  made  by  Mr.  W.  M.  Saunders.  The  dye 
adsorption  values  for  all  sands  tested  are  indicated  in  Tables  30  and  31, 
Chapter  VI.  Table  16  includes  averages  of  the  dye  adsorption  values  of 
sands  grouped  by  origin. 

The  qualitative  correlation  between  the  averages  of  the  dye-adsorption 
values  and  the  bond-strength  values  indicates  the  importance  of  the 
colloidal  clay  as  a  factor  of  bond  strength.  Alluvium  has  a  high  average 
dye-adsorption  value  because  of  the  presence  of  organic  colloids. 

The  quantitative  relation  of  the  dye-adsorption  value  to  bond  strength 
as  determined  by  the  Standard  Cohesiveness  test  can  not  be  accurately 
determined  for  the  sands  tested  in  this  work,  for  the  reason  that  three  or 
four  bond-strength  values  do  not  give  adequate  basis  for  such  comparison. 
In  general,  dye-adsorption  values  are  high  for  sands  of  high  bond  strength 
and  low  for  sands  of  low  bond  strength,  but  those  sands  of  medium  bond 
strength  show  a  greater  range  of  dye-adsorption  value.  In  order  to  cor- 
relate bond  strength  of  any  one  sand  with  its  dye-adsorption  value,  at 
least  10  bond-strength  determinations  should  be  made  between  3  and  10 
per  cent  water  content. 

BASE    PERMEABILITY 

The  permeability  of  the  sand  grains  without  the  clay  is  even  more 
dependent  upon  the  size-grade  distribution  than  is  the  natural  permeability. 
In  sands  of  the  same  relative  fineness,  the  less  the  silt  the  higher  the  per- 
meability. 

Thus,  the  fineness  of  the  sand  is  a  comparative  index  of  the  permea- 
bility. Table  16  includes  the  average  base  permeability  of  each  group  of 
Illinois  molding  sands  of  similar  origin. 

COLOR 

As  has  been  stated,  the  color  of  molding  sand  is  due  to  degree  of 
oxidation  of  iron,  and  is  a  criterion  of  weathering  and  a  qualitative  indica- 
tion of  the  presence  of  weathered  clay.  By  virtue  of  that  fact  it  is  also  a 
criterion  of  one  kind  of  refractoriness. 


ORIGIN  AND  GEOLOGY  OF  MOLDING  SANDS  69 


REFRACTORINESS 


The  low  refractoriness  which  is  caused  by  the  presence  of  calcium 
carbonate  is  common  in  molding  sands  derived  from  unweathered  deposits 
and  is  absent  from  weathered  deposits.  The  redness  of  a  molding  sand  is 
indicative  of  refractoriness  while  the  buff  and  yellow-brown  molding  sands 
are  more  likely  to  contain  calcium  carbonate.  This  is  true  of  Illinois 
molding  sands,  all  of  which  have  been  derived  from  glacier-borne  material. 

The  lack  of  refractoriness  which  arises  from  the  tendency  of  the 
fine  material  to  fuse  is  governed  by  the  original  chemical  character  and 
degree  of  disruption  of  the  glacial  material.  It  can  be  determined  only  by 
direct  test. 

PHYSICAL    PROPERTIES    OF    SANDS    OF    SIMILAR    ORIGIN 

Considering  Tables  15  and  16  together  we  find  that  the  averages  of 
fluvio-glacial  sands  show  high  bond  strength  and  high  permeability  which 
is  in  accordance  with  the  high  clay  percentage  and  the  excellent  sorting. 
The  bond  strength  of  the  terrace-dune  and  upland-dune  groups  are  prac- 
tically the  same,  that  of  the  average  upland-dune  sands  being  slightly 
higher,  and  the  average  clay  content  is  also  slightly  greater.  However, 
the  average  permeability  of  upland-dune  sands  is  lower,  and  the  size-grade 
distribution  indicates  slightly  more  material  in  the  finer  grades.  Slope- 
mantle  sands  have  low  average  bond  strength  and  permeability.  The 
sand  is  relatively  fine  with  much  silt,  which  tends  to  lower  the  bond  strength, 
and  the  size  grade  distribution  is  wide,  reducing  the  permeability.  Stream- 
terrace  and  alluvial  sands  are  similar  in  mode  of  origin  and  their  average 
fineness,  bond  strength,  and  permeability  are  similar.  The  optimum 
water  content  for  bond  strength  rises  to  6  per  cent  in  these  sands,  a  cir- 
cumstance which  is  normal  for  fine  sands.  The  lower  average  permea- 
bility of  the  alluvial  sands  is  due  to  higher  percentages  of  the  finer  grades. 

Loess,  the  finest  of  all,  shows  a  low  average  bond  strength,  with 
maximum  at  6  per  cent  water  content;  and  a  low  permeability  in  keeping 
with  the  high  silt  content. 

Bearing  of  Origin  on  Problem  of  Classification 

The  conditions  of  source,  transportation,  and  deposition  govern  both 
the  relative  fineness  and  the  size  grade  distribution  of  all  sediments.  The 
uniformity  of  these  conditions  governs  size  grade  distribution  of  any  ver- 
tical section  of  a  deposit.  The  fineness  of  the  sand  is  directly  determined 
by  the  conditions  of  origin  of  the  deposit.  The  clay  content  may  be  either 
primarily  deposited,  secondarily  weathered,  or  a  combination  of  both 
which  is  indicated  by  color.  If  fineness  is  a  function  of  origin,  a  classifica- 
tion of  molding  sands  compatible  with  their  origins  could  be  made  on  the 
basis  of  fineness  and  color  (see  Chapter  V). 


CHAPTER  IV.— PROSPECTING,  PRODUCING,  AND 
MARKETING 

Introduction 

The  methods  of  locating  and  thoroughly  prospecting  molding  sand 
deposits  vary  with  the  locality  and  with  the  kind  of  deposit.  The  topog- 
raphy is  most  important  in  the  preliminary  reconnaissance  of  a  large  area, 
especially  if  the  general  geology  of  the  region  be  known.  Some  discussion 
of  the  topographic  position  of  various  kinds  of  deposits  will  be  found  in 
Chapter  III.  Table  29,  Chapter  VI,  is  a  general  analysis  of  the  kinds  of 
deposits  found  in  the  various  counties  and  the  probabilities  of  the  occur- 
rence of  molding  sand.  In  addition,  the  locations  of  known  deposits  of 
each  county  are  given  under  county  headings  in  Chapter  VI. 

Factors  Influencing  Value  of  Deposits 

The  value  of  a  deposit  of  molding  sand  does  not  depend  entirely  upon 
the  quality  of  molding  sand  which  it  contains.  Many  other  factors  must 
be  taken  into  account,  some  of  the  most  important  of  which  are  distance 
from  transportation,  distance  of  shipping  point  from  market,  and  accessi- 
bility of  deposit  as  regards  topographic  position,  overburden,  thickness, 
and  uniformity. 

Under  present  conditions  the  margin  of  profit  is  so  small  that  a  haul 
of  more  than  two  miles  to  the  shipping  point  is  out  of  the  question.  The 
distance  of  shipping  point  from  market  is  exceedingly  variable,  as  sands 
are  sometimes  shipped  great  distances,  provided  they  have  exactly  the 
quality  desired.  The  marketing  of  a  good  sand  resolves  itself  into  a  prob- 
lem of  distribution,  facilitated  by  advertising,  salesmanship,  and  a  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  various  foundry  needs. 

The  lack  of  accessibility  of  some  pits  and  deposits  may  be  remedied 
by  the  building  of  roads  or  railroad  sidings,  but  this  may  require  so  much 
capital  that  a  small  producer,  possessed  of  a  deposit  of  uncertain  quality 
or  quantity  and  selling  to  a  small  or  uncertain  market,  does  not  feel  justified 
in  making  the  venture.  The  thickness  of  overburden  and  of  the  molding 
sand  proper  and  the  uniformity  of  fineness  are  questions  to  be  considered 
in  the  initial  prospecting  of  the  deposit  to  determine  the  quality  of  sand 
present. 

Prospecting  Methods 

Possibly  the  best  method  of  prospecting  is  to  make  auger  borings  at 
regular  intervals,  and  note  the  thickness  of  overburden,  the  thickness  of 
molding  sand,  and  the  depth  of  sharp  changes  in  fineness.  Such  data 
can  be  organized  and  saved  for  reference  by  means  of  a  simple  large-scale 
map  of  the  deposit,  the  distance  between  borings  being  posted  and  each 
line  of  borings  paralleling  a  fence  or  the  preceding  line  of  borings;  written 
notes  made  at  the  time  should  be  numbered  and  corresponding  numbers 
should  be  placed  on  the  map  at  the  points  where  the  borings  are  made. 
Samples  taken  from  the  auger  for  the  purpose  of  a  fineness  test  should  be 
a  mixture  of  the  sand  from  the  total  section  adjudged  workable.     Data 

70 


PROSPECTING,  PRODUCING,  AND  MARKETING 


71 


from  the  fineness  test  of  samples  taken  in  that  manner  are  hardly  conclu- 
sive as  to  the  degree  of  uniformity,  because  the  small  quantity  obtained 
may  not  be  representative.  After  definite  data  on  thickness  of  over- 
burden and  thickness  of  the  molding-sand  layer  or  layers  have  been  ob- 
tained, pits  should  be  sunk  through  the  supposedly  workable  section  and  a 
50-pound  sample  obtained  from  each  pit  by  mixing  and  quartering  several 
hundred  pounds.  Care  must  be  taken  in  sampling  to  include  no  top  clay 
and  to  include  only  the  workable  section.  Several  samples,  each  taken 
from  parts  of  the  deposit  which  the  auger  showed  to  be  the  heaviest,  the 
sharpest,  the  coarsest,  etc.,  will  reveal  the  extremes  which  may  be  en- 
countered. A  number  of  samples  should  be  taken  of  the  more  uniform 
parts  of  the  deposit  in  order  to  find  the  degree  of  uniformity  to  be  expected. 
The  Standard  Test  data,  when  studied  in  relation  to  the  sample's  position 
in  the  deposit,  will  be  a  fair  index  of  the  physical  properties  of  the  sand. 
The  producer  with  a  knowledge  of  the  quality  and  quantity  of  his  "stock" 
of  sands  should  be  better  able  to  meet  a  specific  demand  or  to  sell  a  definite 
grade  than  if  he  had  only  a  slight  knowledge  of  what  was  behind  the  pit 
face. 

Production  Methods  and  Equipment 
excavation 
The  method  of  removing  overburden  and  of  digging  the  sand  is  of 
considerable  economic   importance.     Hand   shovelling   (fig.    24)    is   neces- 


Fig.  24. — Molding  sand  pit  in  which  both  stripping  and  loading  are  done  by  hand. 
Jesse  Westervilt  pit,  1  mile  east  of  Buda,  Bureau  County. 

sary  in  most  pits,  because  of  the  need  for  rather  accurate  selection  of  parts 
of  the  section  to  be  included.  The  use  of  scrapers  in  stripping  is  uncom- 
mon as  the  sand  surface  must  be  finally  cleaned  of  the  overburden  by 
hand  shoveling  and  because  the  overburden  must  be  spread  evenly  over 
the  floor  of  the  worked-out  part  of  the  pit,  in  order  that  the  agricultural 


72 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


value  of  the  land  may  be  retained.  The  Rockton  Molding  Sand  Company  of 
Rockton,  Winnebago  County,  utilizes  an  adaptation  of  a  gasoline-driven 
ditch-digging  machine,  which  strips  and  digs  a  given  section,  delivering 
the  sand  to  wagon  (figs.  25,  26,  and  27).     Such  a  machine  seems  well 


Fig.  25. — A  machine  for  digging  molding  sand  and  delivering  it  to  truck,  Rockton 
Molding  Sand  Co.,  Rockton,  Winnebago  County. 


Fig.  26. — Side  view  of  machine  shown  in  fig.  25. 


suited  for  the  production  of  sand  from  a  uniform  deposit.  The  use  of  a 
small  steam  shovel  for  thick  sections  of  uniform  texture  is  entirely  possible. 
The  above-mentioned  company  digs  loess  with  a  shovel,  using  a  narrow- 
gauge  tram  to  transport  sand  to  the  loading  dock. 


PROSPECTING,  PRODUCING,  AND  MARKETING 


73 


MULLING    MACHINERY 

Mullers  designed  to  remove  lumps  and  to  make  an  intimate  mixture 
of  two  sands  are  used  by  several  companies.  The  Rockton  Molding  Sand 
Company  employs  a  machine  patented  by  them,  which  mulls  the  sand 
by  means  of  revolving  cylinders  and  conveys  the  mulled  sand  into  the  car. 
The  C.  E.  Oberlaender  Company  of  Colona,  Henry  County,  and  the 
Purity  Molding  Sand  Company  of  Dallas,  Henderson  County,  operate 
loading  conveyors  which  mull  the  sand. 


Fig.  27. — Pit  face  and  replaced  stripping  on  pit  bottom.     Worked  by  machine  in 
figs.  24  and  25.     Rockton  Molding  Sand  Co.,  Rockton,  Winnebago  County. 


Relation  Between  Methods  of  Production  and 
Quality  of  Sand  Produced 

methods  of  operating  pit 

Because  of  the  large  number  of  part-time  producers  and  because  of 
poor  marketing  arrangements,  methods  of  production  are  governed  to  great 
extent  by  temporary  expediencies  rather  than  by  a  policy  of  conservation. 
The  methods  are  also  governed  by  the  degree  of  uniformity  of  the  deposit. 
Most  deposits  of  molding  sand,  being  covered  by  soil,  underlie  agriculturally 
valuable  land  and  the  soil  must  be  replaced  after  the  sand  is  removed. 
This  is  accomplished  by  opening  a  long  pit  and  removing  the  sand  along 
the  whole  length  before  a  new  cut  is  made.  The  overburden  is  removed 
by  hand  shoveling  and  is  thrown  in  the  bottom  of  the  worked-out  strip. 
The  average  thickness  of  overburden  is  about  a  foot,  as  a  deposit  with 
more  than  two  feet  of  overburden  cannot,  under  present  methods,  be  worked 
with  profit,  unless  the  deposit  be  very  thick.  The  section  of  molding 
sand  is  hand-shoveled  into  wagons  or  trucks  and  hauled  to  the  nearest 
siding.  If  the  deposit  is  uniform  the  whole  section  is  included.  A  variable 
deposit  often  necessitates  the  abandonment  of  a  part  of  the  pit  face. 


74  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

MIXING 

For  some  kinds  of  molding  sand,  sand  from  two  or  more  pit  sections 
is  mixed.  It  is  a  common  belief  among  producers  that  many  kinds  of  mold- 
ing sand  may  be  produced  from  the  same  deposit,  but  foundrymen  are  of 
the  belief  that  a  given  district  containing  several  deposits  can  produce 
only  one  kind  of  molding  sand.  Both  are  in  some  measure  correct,  for  the 
producer,  by  mixing  sands  of  different  fineness,  may  ship  a  sand  which  is 
different  in  fineness  from  the  average  of  the  deposit;  but  in  order  to  do  so, 
his  deposit  must  be  variable  horizontally,  and  the  sum  of  such  variability 
from  two  or  more  pit  sections,  results  in  a  molding  sand  which  is  not  likely 
to  remain  uniform  throughout  a  week  of  production.  The  foundryman 
must  have  a  uniform  sand,  and,  as  a  rule,  the  deposits  of  a  single  district 
are  of  similar  origin  and  all  the  produced  molding  sand  is  of  the  same 
degree  of  uniformity  as  well  as  similar  in  appearance. 

Although  the  mixing  of  molding  sands  from  two  deposits  or  from  two 
parts  of  the  same  deposit  may  develop  some  certain  degree  of  a  given  prop- 
erty which  is  required  at  the  moment,  the  practice  of  mixing  of  molding 
sands,  by  either  foundryman  or  producer,  is  not  economical  from  the 
standpoint  of  conservation,  as  the  gain  in  degree  of  one  physical  property 
is  certain  to  be  attended  by  the  loss  in  degree  of  other  physical  properties. 
However,  when  mixing  must  be  done,  it  is  far  better  for  the  foundryman 
to  do  the  mixing  as  he  has  the  immediate  object  in  view  and  needs  to  mix 
only  enough  for  his  purpose. 

Deposits  which  contain  molding  sands  of  low  bond  strength  are  some- 
times utilized  by  mixing  some  proportion  of  clay  overburden  with  the  sand. 
In  Illinois  the  clay  overburden  in  most  cases  is  leached  loess,  and  contains 
as  high  as  50  per  cent  silt.  Silt  reduces  the  permeability  of  the  sand, 
limiting  its  use.  Some  producers  unintentionally  include  much  silt  in  the 
sand  by  careless  methods  of  production. 

The  manner  in  which  the  sand  is  handled  influences  the  bond  strength 
through  the  distribution  of  the  clay  on  the  sand  grains.  Sand  shoveled 
into  a  truck  and  then  shoveled  or  dumped  into  a  car  is  somewhat  mixed 
but,  due  to  the  fact  that  some  layers  of  a  deposit  may  have  no  clay  bond 
and  other  layers  a  heavy  clay  bond,  the  sand  may  be  ' 'patchy"  or  lumpy. 
Some  producing  companies  mull  their  sand  in  a  mechanical  mixer  to  break 
up  lumps  and  thoroughly  mix  the  sand.  Such  machinery  tends  to  de- 
velop the  maximum  bond  strength  with  some  loss  to  permeability.  Ob- 
viously, all  sands  should  not  be  so  treated. 

SUMMARY 

The  manner  of  production  may  change  the  size-grade  distribution  of 
a  molding  sand  so  that  the  produced  sand  is  widely  different  from  that  of 
a  vertical  section  of  the  deposit.  The  usual  manifestation  of  such  a  change 
is  in  an  increased  percentage  of  the  silt.  The  change  in  size-grade  dis- 
tribution influences  the  physical  properties  of  permeability  and  bond 
strength.  The  permeability  and  bond  strength  are  also  influenced  by 
the  methods  of  mixing. 

Any  classification  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands  must  take  into 
consideration  the  variations  produced  by  production  methods. 


CHAPTER  V.— CLASSIFICATION  OF  NATURAL-BONDED 
MOLDING  SANDS  INTO  TYPES 

Basis  on  Fineness  and  Color 

A  classification  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands  must  be  based 
upon  physical  properties  which  are  requisite  to  its  use.  Divisions  must 
be  so  made  that  few  sands  fall  on  the  border  lines.  Sands  should  be 
easily  classified,  preferably  by  means  of  single  tests.  The  terms  used  in 
statement  of  classification  should  be  both  simple  and  quantitatively 
accurate. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  fineness  governs  the  physical  properties  to  a 
large  extent,  and  that  fineness  is  dependent  upon  origin,  it  seems  entirely 
logical  to  base  a  simple  classification  upon  fineness;  and,  because  color  is 
a  criterion  of  degree  of  weathering  and  hence  of  refractoriness,  it  can  well 
be  included  as  an  additional  criterion  for  classification. 

Types  of  Natural-Bonded  Molding  Sand  Defined 

type  I 

Natural-bonded  molding  sands  classified  as  Type  I  are  those  with 
maximum  size  grade  percentage,  excepting  the  clay  grade,  on  or  above 
100-mesh;  with  the  silt  (—  270-mesh)  grade  percentage  less  than  one-half 
that  of  the  clay;  with  a  large  proportion  of  the  sand  grains  coated  with 
limonite;  and  with  a  clay  bond  red  to  dark  red  in  color. 

This  is  a  coarse  sand,  so  well  sorted  and  so  relatively  silt-free  as  to 
have  high  permeability;  containing  quartz  grains  coated  with  limonite, 
which  makes  for  high  bond  strength;  and  containing  red  clay,  which,  as  a 
general  rule,  gives  high  bond  strength.  Table  17  gives  the  averages  of 
bond  strength  and  permeability  tests  made  on  Type  I  sands.  Figures 
28,  29,  and  30  relate  to  Type  I  sands. 

These  properties  make  Type  I  sands  suitable  for  medium  and  heavy 
work,  in  which  the  large  amount  of  metal  poured  makes  necessary  a  mold 
strong  enough  to  withstand  the  weight,  yet  open  enough  to  give  vent  to 
the  considerable  volume  of  gases. 


Table  17. 


-Averages  of  bond  strength  and  permeability  by  Types 


Type  of 

Number 

of 
samples 

Bond  strength 

Permeability 

Base 

molding 
sand 

Per  cent  water 

permeability 

4 

6                  8 

4 

0 

8 

I 

II 

Ilia 

III6 

35 
35 
19 

27 

200.2 
208.3 
239.9 
220.1 

282.9     !      255.4 

219.2  212.6 

245.3  230.3 
219.7           201.7 

105.5 
12.4 
42.3 
18.1 

84.9 
12.9 
38.6 
19.0 

59.8 
12.1 
31.4 
16.1 

90.2 
13.2 
36.8 
15.1 

75 


76 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


SIZE 
GRADE 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


SIZE 
GRADE 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


NO.    57 


SIZE 
GRADE 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


SIZE 
GRADE 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


PER    CENT 


SIZE 
GRADE 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


SIZE 
GRADE 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80 


SIZE 
100  GRADE 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70 


Fig.  28. — Fineness  graphs  of  Type  I  sands.  (See  figs.  29  and  30.) 

Sample  No.     15. — Riverside  Sand  Co.,  Ritchey,  Will  County. 

Sample  No.    57. — Undeveloped  deposit,  five  miles  south  of  Oregon,  Ogle  County. 

Sample  No.  165. — Eugene  Stultz,  Vandalia,  Fayette  County. 

Sample  No.  166. — G.  Nicol  and  Son,  Tamalco;  Bond  County. 

Sample  No.  171.— Ed.  B.  Squier  Co.,  Greenville,  Bond  County. 

Sample  No.  179. — G.   Nicol  and  Son,  Tamalco,   Bond  County.     In  use  by  Enterprise 

Foundry  Co.,  Belleville. 
Sample  No.  188. — Undeveloped  deposit,  Homberg,  Pope  County. 
Sample  No.  192. — Undeveloped  deposit,  1  H  miles  cast  of  Carmi,  White  County. 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SANDS 


77 


Fig.  29. — Microphotographs  of  Type  I  sand  (x24).     (See  fig.  28  for  fineness  graphs.) 

A.  Undeveloped  deposit,  5  miles  south  of  Oregon,  Ogle  County.     An  exceptionally  well  sorted 

sand  with  hign  percentage  of  clay.      (Sample  No.  57.) 

B.  G.  Nicol  and  Son,  Tamalco,  Bond  County.     Sand  grains  less  uniform  in  size  than  A,  but  the 

deposit  has  less  silt.      (Sample  No.  166.) 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


FlG.  30. — Microphotographs  of  Type  I  sand  (x24).     (See  fig.  28  for  fineness  graphs.) 

A.   Ed.   B.  Squier  Co.,  Greenville,   Bond  County.     A  very  coarse,  well  sorted  sand.      (Sample 
171.) 


B. 


No. 
Undeveloped  deposit 
low  silt  percentage 


1  Y*   miles  east  01  Canni,  White  County 
(Sample  No.  192.) 


A  well  sorted  sand,  having  a 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SANDS    . 


79 


PER    CENT 


SIZE 
GRADE 

10 

20     30     40     50     60     70     80     9C 

100 

SIZE 
GRADE 

12  f 

20  ! 

20 

40  1 

40 

70  I 

70 

100  1 

100 

140  1 

140 

200  1 

200 

270  1 

270 

-270  1 

-270 

CLAY  | 

CLAY 

NO.    84 

SIZE 
GRADE 

1 

0 

2 

3     3 

P 

)      4 

ER 

3     5 

CE 

3     6 

>JT 

0     70     80     90    100 

SIZE 
GRADE 

PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


PER    CENT 
20     30     40     50     60     70 


SIZE 

GRADE 

12 

20 

40 

70 

100 

140 

200 

270 

—270 

CLAY 


PER    CENT 
0     20     30     40     50     60     70     80 


PER    CENT 
30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


PER    CENT 


SIZE 

GRADE 

10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 

SIZE 

GRADE          10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 

12 

20 

12 

40 

20 

70 

40 

100 

■ 

70 

140 

Lk 

100 

200 

Hon 

140 

270 

^BT^ 

200 

-270 
CLAY 

1 

270 
-270 
CLAY 

NO      152 

NO 

18 

0 

Fig.  31. — Fineness  graphs  of  Type  II  molding  sands. 


(See  figs.  32  and  33.) 

Collected  at  John  Deere 


Collected  at  Frank 


Sample  No.  84.     T.  B.  and  S.  S.  Davis,  Sears,  Rock  Island  County. 

Harvester  Works,  East  Moline. 
Sample  No.  102.     T.  B.  and  S.  S.  Davis,  Sears,  Rock  Island  County. 

Foundries,  Moline. 
Sample  No.  110.     Undeveloped  deposit,  \\i  miles  west  of  Milan,  Rock  Island  County. 
Sample  No.  111.     Undeveloped  deposit,  .3  miles  east  of  Green  River  Station,  Henry  County. 
Sample  No.  149.     Purity  Molding  Sand  Co.,  Dallas  City,  pit  in  Hancock  County.     Collected 

from  Brass  Foundry  Co.,  Peoria. 
Sample  Nos.  150  and  152.     Undeveloped  deposit,  2XA  miles  east  of  Edwards,  Peoria  County. 
Sample  No.  180.     O.  J.  Long,  Caseyville,  St.  Clair  County. 


80 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Fig.  32. — Microphotographs  of  Type  II  molding  sands  (xl6).  (See  fig.  31  for  fineness  graphs.) 

A.  T.  B.  and  S.  S.  Davis,  Scars,  Rock  Island  County.     This  is  a  loess.     The  apparent  large  grains 

Photograph  is  of  rammed 


B 


are  aggregates  of  silt  grains.      (Sample  No.  102.) 
Undeveloped  deposit,  \x/\  miles  west  of  Milan,  Rock  Island  County, 
mold  surface.      (Sample  No.  110.) 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    NATURAL-BONDED    MOLDING    SANDS 


81 


-«4'i;  v*r 


*     .»* 


B 
Fig.  33. — Microphotographs  of  Type  II  molding  sands  (xl6).     (See  fig.  31  for  fineness 
graphs.) 

A.  Undeveloped  deposit,  2lA  miles  east  of  Edwards,  Peoria  County.     A  coarse  Type  II  sand. 

(Sample  No.  150.) 

B.  O.  J.  Long,  Caseyville,  St.  Clair  County.     A  loess.      (Sample  No.  180.) 


82 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


PER    CENT 

,~r,^'^  10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 

GRADE 


SIZE 


12  ~ 

20 

40 

70 
100 
140 
200 
270 
-270 
CLAY 


t 


12  I 

20 

40 

70 

100 

140 

200 

270 

—270 

CLAY 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


t 


PER    CENT 

40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


SIZE 
GRADE 


PER    CENT 
10     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


IE 


PER    CENT 
0     20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90 


SIZE 
GRADE 


PER    CENT 
20     30     40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


PER    CENT 


PER    CENT 

40     50     60     70     80     90    100 


Fig.  34. — Fineness  graphs  of  Type  III  molding  sands.     (See  figs.  35  and  36.) 

Sample  No.  9.     Garden  City  Sand  Co.,  Algonquin,  McHenry  County.     Type  III6. 

Sample  No.  11.     Larson  and  Larson,  Ritchey,  Will  County.     Type  Illfe. 

Sample  No.  113.     Golden  and  Larson,  Wyanet,  Bureau  County.     Type  III6. 

Sample  No.  116.     Jesse  Westervilt,  Buda,  Bureau  County.     Type  Ilia. 

Sample  No.  138.     G.  Nicol  and  Son,  Arenzville,  Cass  County.     Sample  from  Electric  Wheel 

Co.,  Quincy.     Type  1 1 16. 
Sample  No.  142.     Monmouth  Stone  Co.,  Gladstone,  Henderson  County.     From  Gem  City 

Stove  Co.,  Quincy.     Type  1 1  lb. 
Sample  No.  147.     Undeveloped  deposit.  Bluff  Springs,  Cass  County.     Type  \\\b. 
Sample  No.  172.     Commercial  Foundry  Sand  Co.,  Collinsville,  Madison  County.     Type  1 116. 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    NATURAL-BONDED    MOLDING    SANDS 


83 


Fig.  35. — Microphotographs  of  Type  III  sands  (xl6).     (See  fig.  34  for  fineness  graphs.) 

A.  Garden  City  Sand  Co.,  Algonquin,  McHenry  County.     A  poorly  sorted  sand;  all  size  grades 

below  20-mesh  are  present.     Type  lllb.     (Sample  No.  9.) 

B.  Jesse  Westervilt,   Buda,   Bureau   County.     A  well  sorted  sand.    Except  for  its  silt    content, 

would  be  a  Type  I  sand.     Type  Ilia.     (Sample  No.  116.) 


84 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


^L     jW-  L»^^B  BP^    ^t  jmB        i^^^ 
B^,MgjiiP""\_M^...  Jfcti  m9UT      ^^c 

■            "faY       t        jt>  w^     JL ..  ~~^B- 

■  <  ^P^      4E  W*  -«*^B^ft^.  i  jg| 

A 

'  ^IP^bb^bP^  JbE 

*#    4-^^.1 

t  i 

^  :     %      f^^rlJFR  frit 

\          •;'  l  mBW    i 

*    TV-  it-  /Jlfl 

'£'  •       flMarBk  ^b    JBR 

1at#iri''^BB,  ^Ph 

'  JBT^^BBfcBBf^BB^^  < 

Bbp      * 

r      %*j 

>^"bbJbj1«BF^^bBT        **        aT 

F"**-*        '* 

B 
Fig.  36. — Microphotographs  of  Type  III  sands  (xl6).    See  fig.  34  for  fineness  graphs.) 

A.  Monmouth  Stone  Co.,  Gladstone,  Henderson  County,     Collected  from  Gem  City  Stove  Co., 

Qllincy.      Poorly  sorted  and  with  relatively  high  silt  content.    Type  111/).     (Sample  No.  142.) 

B.  Undeveloped  deposit,  Bluff  Springs,  Cass  County.     Poorly  sorted  and  with  excessively  high 

silt  content.     Of  small  value  as  a  commercial  molding  sand.      (Sample  No.  147.) 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SANDS  85 

TYPE    II 

Natural-bonded  molding  sands  classified  as  Type  II  are  those  with 
maximum  size  grade  percentage,  excepting  the  silt  ( — 270-mesh)  and  clay 
grades,  on  140-mesh  or  below;  with  color  reddish-yellow  to  buff;  and  with 
the  quartz  grains  rarely  coated  with  limonite.  Black  or  "vegetable"-bond 
sand  also  falls  into  this  type. 

Type  II  includes  all  of  the  "fine"  sands  used  for  light-gray  iron  and 
non-ferrous  work,  for  which  high  bond  strength  and  permeability  are  not 
essential.  Molds  must  faithfully  reproduce  intricate  patterns  and  the  sand 
must  be  so  fine  in  texture  that  the  resulting  casting  surface  is  smooth.  A 
high  degree  of  bond  strength  is  not  essential,  although  the  mold  must  resist 
washing  by  the  molten  metal.  High  permeability  is  unnecessary,  as  a  low 
permeability  will  give  vent  to  the  small  volume  of  gas  which  results  from 
small  castings.  It  is  desirable  that  the  bond  strength  be  uniform  over  a 
wide  moisture  range,  for  the  mold  can  best  be  made  with  sand  of  high 
moisture  content,  but  if  the  mold  can  dry  so  that  the  moisture  content 
near  the  mold  surface  is  low,  the  amount  of  steam  incident  to  pouring  is 
less,  and  less  permeability  is  required.  Type  II  sands  containing  amor- 
phous clay  usually  have  a  wide  range  of  bond  strength  from  4  per  cent  to 
8  per  cent  moisture  content.  The  permeability  range  is  correspondingly 
great.  The  casting  surface  is  less  smooth,  as  the  clay  forms  pellets.  Fig- 
ures 31,  32,  and  33  illustrate  Type  II  sands. 

TYPE    III 

Natural-bonded  molding  sands  classified  as  Type  III  are  those  with 
maximum  size  grade  percentage,  excepting  the  silt  (  —270)  and  clay  grades, 
on  or  above  100-mesh;  with  a  silt  (  —270-mesh)  percentage  more  than  half 
the  clay  percentage;  with  color  red  to  reddish-yellow.  The  quartz  grains 
may  or  may  not  be  coated  with  limonite. 

Type  III  sands  are  to  be  regarded  as  the  sands  median  in  fineness, 
bond  strength,  and  permeability,  between  Type  I  and  Type  II  sands. 
They  may  be  divided  into  two  groups,  Type  Ilia  and  Type  lllb.  Type 
Ilia  represents  those  sands  more  akin  to  Type  I  than  to  Type  II.  Type 
lllb  sands  are  more  nearly  like  Type  II. 

Type  Ilia  sands  may  be  defined  as  those  Type  III  sands  which  have 
a  silt-to-clay  ratio  ranging  from  3^2  to  1.  They  are  very  commonly  sands 
derived  from  deposits  capable  of  yielding  Type  I  molding  sand,  but  with 
which  considerable  silt  is  included,  either  through  difficulties  of  produc- 
tion or  through  carelessness.  In  other  cases,  the  deposit  is  silty.  These 
sands  differ  from  Type  I  sands  only  in  having  a  higher  silt-clay  ratio. 
Their  bond  strengths  average  lower  and  their  average  permeabilities  are 
less  than  half  the  average  for  Type  I  sands. 

Type  lllb  sands  may  be  defined  as  those  Type  III  sands  which  have  a 
silt-to-clay  ratio  greater  than  1.  They  are  the  products  of  rather  variable 
deposits.  They  are,  in  effect,  mixtures  of  varying  proportions  of  Type  I 
and  Type  II  sands.  The  average  bond  strength  is  no  higher  and  the 
average  permeabilities  are  almost  as  low  as  those  of  Type  II  sands  (see 
Table  I). 


86 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Type  III  sands  are  widely  used  as  molding  sands,  not  because  they 
are  best  but  because  they  are  commonly  available.  Many  deposits  from 
which  could  be,  produced  a  single  type,  Type  I  or  Type  II,  are  producing 
a  Type  III  sand.  If  plant-control  methods  of  handling  molding  sand 
improve  in  the  future  as  rapidly  as  in  the  past  five  years,  many  Type  III 
sands  will  be  forced  off  the  market  and  will  no  longer  be  considered  as 
molding  sands.  There  are,  however,  some  Type  III  sands  which  may 
serve  special  purposes  much  better  than  another  sand.  The  better  Type  III 
sands,  those  which  approximate  either  Type  I  or  Type  II,  will  serve  quite 
as  well  as  the  true  type  in  many  cases,  particularly  in  localities  where  only 
Type  III  sands  can  be  obtained. 

Figures  34,  35,  and  36  illustrate  Type  III  sands. 

Characteristic  Type  Relations 
relation  of  optimum  water  content  to  type 

The  percentage  of  water  at  which  the  maximum  bond  strength  and 
permeability  of  the  samples  are  developed  is  shown  in  Table  18.  It  is  to 
be  understood  that  the  optimum  at  4  per  cent  may  mean  that  the  optimum 
is  at  3  per  cent  or  2  per  cent,  and  that  the  optimum  at  8  per  cent  may  mean 
that  it  really  falls  at  a  higher  percentage. 

Table  18. — Position  of  Optimum  Water  Content  by  Types. 


Type 

of 

molding 

sand 


I 

II 

Ilia 
\Ub 


Total 
Number 

of 
samples 


35 
35 
19 

27 


Number  of  samples 


Bond  strength 


Permeability 


20 
9 
8 

17 


Per  cent  water 


6 

8 

2 

4 

6 

13 

25 

8 

15 

11 

12 

12 

6 

5 

11 

6 

7 

3 

11 

12 

2 

11 

2 

4 


A  given  type  of  sand  does  not  have  a  constant  optimum  but  each  type 
does  have  discernible  tendencies. 

1.  Type  I  sands  tend  to  develop  maximum  bond  strength  and  per- 
meability below  6  per  cent  water  content.  The  increase  of  bond  strength 
and  permeability  with  increase  of  water  content  is  gradual  but  the  de- 
crease with  further  increase  in  water  content  is  rapid. 

2.  Type  II  sands  tend  to  develop  maximum  bond  strength  at  or 
above  6  per  cent  water  content.  Maximum  permeability  is  developed  at 
6  per  cent  water  content,  but  the  quantitative  range  is  so  small  that  the 
permeability  is  nearly  uniform  through  the  4  per  cent  to  8  per  cent  range. 

3.  Type  III  sands  are  so  variable  in  properties  that  no  very  definite 
tendencies  can  be  pointed  out.     Uniformity  of  bond  strength  throughout 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SANDS 


87 


the  4  per  cent  to  8  per  cent  range  is  common,  but  is  far  from  the  rule. 
Variations  in  methods  of  production,  mulling,  use,  etc.,  probably  change 
the  position  of  the  maximum  bond  strength  with  Type  III  sands,  whereas 
it  is  doubtful  if  the  position  of  the  maximum  bond  strength  of  Types  I 
and  II  could  be  changed  by  such  procedure.  The  permeability  of  Type  Ilia 
sands  reaches  a  maximum  between  4  per  cent  and  6  per  cent.  The  permea- 
bility is  similar  to  that  of  the  Type  I  sands  except  that  it  is  reduced  to  less 
than  one  half.  The  permeability  of  Type  lllb  sands  is  similar  to  that  of 
the  Type  II  sands  except  that  it  is  commonly  greater. 

RELATION    OF    ORIGIN    TO    TYPE 

It  has  been  pointed  out  that  the  manner  of  deposition  and  the  degree 
of  weathering  determine  the  fineness  of  a  molding  sand  and  that  deposits 
of  similar  origin  may  be  expected  to  produce  molding  sands  of  similar 
properties.  Table  19  gives  the  averages  of  fineness  of  Illinois  molding 
sands  grouped  by  origin.  The  fluvio-glacial,  terrace-dune,  and  upland- 
dune  sands  are  Type  I,  the  stream- terrace,  alluvial,  and  loess  sands, 
Type  II,  and  the  slope-mantle  sands,  Type  lllb.  Type  Ilia  is  not  repre- 
sented, for,  as  has  been  mentioned,  such  sands  are  commonly  produced 
from  deposits  of  Type  I  sand. 

When  the  averages  of  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  all  Type  I 
sands  (Table  17)  are  compared  with  those  of  the  three  origin-groups  which 
have  Type  I  fineness  (Table  21) ,  it  is  seen  that  there  is  a  marked  similarity. 


Table    19. — Average  fineness  of  groups  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands  of  similar 


on  gin. 


Kind  of 

Number 

of 
Samples 

14 
17 
13 
36 
22 
4 
10 

Size  grade 

Deposit 

12 

.7 
.2 

20 

40 

70 

100 

140 

200 

270 

—270 

Clay 

Total 

Fluvio-glacial 

Terrace  dune 

Upland  dune 

Slope  mantle 

Stream  terrace 

Alluvium 

Loess 

1.5 
1.3 

.3 

.1 

5.6 
5.4 
1.6 

.5 

1.2 

.6 

.2 

37.0 
30.3 
30.8 

15.4 
12.5 
4.4 
3.8 

15.4 
16.2 
21.5 
15.9 
10.9 
11.6 
4.4 

7.2 
11.3 
10.7 
10.5 
10.0 
19.7 

3.8 

4.6 

9.5 

7.8 

10.6 

13.5 

20.3 

6.9 

1.1 
1.9 
2.0 
3.9 
6.4 
6.0 
4.8 

7.5 
6.2 
7.4 
26.3 
25.9 
23.1 
65.3 

18.5 
16.7 
17.1 
16.2 
18.9 
13.5 
10.2 

99.1 
99.0 
99.2 
99.3 
99.4 
99.2 
99.4 

Table  20. — Average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands 
grouped  by  origin. 


Number 

of 
Samples 

Bond  Strength 

Permeability 

Kind  of 
Deposit 

Per  cent  Water 

Base 
Permeability 

4 

6 

8 

4 

6 

8 

Fluvio-glacial .... 
Terrace  dunes. . .  . 
Upland  dunes. .  . 

Slope  mantle 

Stream  terrace  .  .  . 
Alluvium 

14 
17 
13 
36 

22 
4 
10 

317.6 
264.8 
266.4 
229.3 
204.2 
214.4 
199.1 

324.5 
255.6 
258.1 
226.1 
218.3 
218.3 
204.5 

279.7 
221.3 
231.3 
213.8 
217.6 
212.7 
194.9 

116.7 
92.6 
73.2 
20.3 
20.0 
15.7 
6.1 

87.8 
73.0 
66.3 
20.3 
21.7 
14.2 
6.3 

66.2 
54.2 
47.0 
17.4 
19.3 
13.1 
6.3 

100.8 
80.2 
61.8 
18.0 
21.5 
16.3 
8.1 

MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Table  21. — Comparison  of  average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  all  Type  I  sands 
with  similar  averages  for  the  three  origin-groups  having  Type  I  fineness. 


Kind  of  sand 


Type  I 

Fluvio-glacial 
Terrace  dune 
Upland  dune. 


No. 

Bond 

strength 

Permeability 

Base 

of 

Per  cent  water 

per- 

sam- 
ples 

mea- 

bility 

4 

6 

8 

4 

6 

8 

35 

290.2 

282.9 

255.4 

103.5 

84.9 

59.8 

90.2 

44 

282.9 

279.4 

244.0 

94.2 

75.4 

55.8 

80.9 

The  similarity  is  again  marked  when  Type  II  (Table  17)  averages  are 
compared  with  the  averages  of  those  groups  whose  average  fineness  falls 
within  Type  II  (Table  22). 


Table  22. — Comparison  of  average  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  all   Type  II 
sands  with  similar  averages  for  the  three  origin-groups  having  Type  II  fineness. 


Kind  of  sand 


Type  II 

Stream  terrace 

Alluvium 

Loess 


No. 
of 
sam- 
ples 


35 
34 


Bond  strength  Permeability 


Per  cent  water 


4 

6 

8 

4 

6 

208 . 3 

219.2 

212.6 

12.4 

12.9 

205.9 

213.4 

208.4 

13.9 

14.1 

12.1 

12.9 


Base 
per- 
mea- 
bility 


13.2 
15.3 


Comparison  of  Type  1 1 16  averages  (Table  17)  with  those  of  the  slope- 
mantle  group  (Table  23)  also  shows  similarity. 


Table  23. — Comparison  of  average  bond    strength  and  permeability  of  all  Type  1 1  lb 
sands  with  similar  averages  for  the  origin  group  having  Type  Illb  fineness. 


Kind  of  sand 


Type  lllb.l.. 
Slope  mantle. 


Bond  strength 

Permeability 

Base 

No. 

of 

sam- 

Per cent  water 

per- 
mea- 
bility 

ples 

4 

6 

8 

201.7 
213.8 

4 

6 

8 

37 
36 

220.1 
229.3 

219.7 
226.1 

18.1 
20 . 3 

19.0 

20 . 3 

16.1 
16.4 

15.1 
18.0 

CLASSIFICATION  OF  NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SANDS 


89 


Clearly,  molding  sands,  when  grouped  by  origin,  show  inter-group 
differences  in  the  averages  of  fineness,  bond  strength,  and  permeability. 
However,  the  mean  of  the  averages  of  bond  strength  and  permeability  of 
the  origin  groups  which  fall  within  the  same  type  conforms  with  the  averages 
of  bond  strength  and  permeability  of  that  type. 

CONFORMITY    OF    ORIGIN    AND    TYPE 

The  number  of  samples  in  each  origin-group  which  fall  into  the  various 
types  (Table  24)  is  significant.  Of  the  fluvio-glacial,  terrace-dune,  and 
upland-dune  groups,  forty-four  samples  in  all,  thirty-two  are  Type  I, 
nine  are  Type  Ilia,  one  is  Type  lllb,  and  two  are  Type  II.  The  ten 
Type  III  sands  are  cases  in  which  silt  was  included  during  production 
and  Type  I  sands  could  be  produced  from  their  respective  deposits.  The 
two  Type  II  sands  of  the  terrace-dune  group  are  normal  for  the  deposits 
from  which  they  were  produced,  but  such  deposits  are  very  rare.  Molding 
sand  occurring  in  fluvio-glacial  ridges,  dunes  on  stream  terraces,  and  dunes 
on  uplands,  will  normally  be  Type  I  molding  sand,  but  the  methods  of 
production  may  introduce  sufficient  silt  to  make  them  Type  III.  Type  II 
sand  is  rarely  found  in  these  deposits.  Furthermore,  such  deposits  are 
relatively  uniform  in  fineness  throughout,  the  clay  grade  excepted.  For 
that  reason,  continued  production  from  these  deposits  will  be  uniform  as 
to  permeability  but  may  vary  in  bond  strength. 

Windblown  slope-mantle  deposits  are  represented  in  all  types.  Twenty- 
six  out  of  thirty-six  are  of  Type  III,  eight  of  Type  II,  and  two  of  Type  I. 

Table  24. — Distribution  of  sands  of  similar  origin  among  the  types. 


Kind  of  deposit 


Fluvio-glacial . 
Terrace  dunes. 
Upland  dunes. . 
Slope  mantle. . 
Stream  terrace 

Alluvium 

Loess 


Number 

Type  of  molding  sand 

of 
samples 

I 

II 

Ilia 

14 

12 

2 

17 

12 

2 

3 

13 

8 

4 

36 

2 

8 

5 

22 

1 

12 

5 

4 

4 

10 

9 

nib 


l 

21 
4 


Type  I  sands  are  so  rare  in  slope-mantle  deposits  that  it  is  not  probable 
Type  I  sands  could  be  produced  in  any  quantity.  The  normal  expecta- 
tion from  slope-mantle  deposits  is  Type  1 1  lb,  for  Type  II  and  Type  Ilia 
sands  are  derived  only  from  a  small  part  of  the  deposit.  They  may  be 
regarded  as  "forced"  production  from  selected  areas  rather  than  as  normal 
pit  run  which  could  be  maintained  until  the  deposit  was  worked  out. 

Stream-terrace  and  alluvial  deposits  normally  yield  Type  II  sands. 
It  is  probable  that  any  Illinois  stream  which  has  a  flood  plain  more  than 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  wide  is  depositing  Type  II  material,  but  not  all  of  that 
material  is  suitable  for  use  as  molding  sand.     Molding  sand  pits  in  stream- 


90 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

I 


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14.8 
17.4 
16.1 
13.7 

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16.4 
21.2 
17.6 
17.1 

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17.9 
12.6 

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CLASSIFICATION  OF  NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SANDS  91 

terrace  deposits  are  commonly  in  the  coarsest  phases  found,  which  accounts 
for  the  Type  I  and  Type  III  sands.  The  single  Type  I  sand  is  a  notable 
exception,  but  the  Type  III  sands  are  not  exceptional.  The  molding  sands 
which  are  derived  from  loess  deposits  are,  with  one  exception,  of  Type  II. 
Only  Type  II  sands  can  be  normally  expected  from  loess. 

RELATION  OF  CLAY  CONTENT  TO  NATURAL  PERMEABILITY 

BY  TYPES 

The  relation  of  the  clay  content  to  natural  permeability,  Table  25, 
the  size-grade  distribution  being  constant,  is  quantitatively  negligible. 
Each  group  represented  by  averages  in  Table  25  is  composed  of  three  or 
more  samples.  Those  samples  containing  between  10  per  cent  and  20  per 
cent  clay  show  the  maximum  permeability  in  each  type. 

RELATION    OF    SILT    CONTENT    TO    NATURAL    AND    BASE 
PERMEABILITY    BY    TYPES 

The  permeabilities  decrease  with  increase  in  silt  percentage  in  all  types 
(Table  26).  The  rate  of  decrease  of  permeability  varies  with  the  type  of 
sand,  but  in  general  it  is  progressively  less  with  a  constant  rate  of  increase 
of  silt  percentage.  Thus,  starting  with  a  Type  I  sand,  the  addition  of 
enough  silt  to  raise  its  silt  percentage  to  approximately  9  per  cent  would 
reduce  its  permeability  almost  half.  A  further  addition  of  silt  would 
probably  make  it  a  Type  Ilia  sand,  with  a  loss  of  one  third  in  permeability. 
Further  additions  of  silt  would  decrease  the  permeability  but  little  because 
of  the  fact  that  the  interstices  between  the  grains  would  be  filled,  that  is, 
a  point  of  saturation  would  be  reached  beyond  which  the  permeability 
would  decrease  very  little. 

RELATION  OF  BASE  TO  NATURAL  PERMEABILITY  BY  TYPES 

1.  The  base-permeability  values  (Table  27)  of  most  Type  I  sands 
lie  between  the  maximum  and  minimum  of  natural-permeability  values 
for  the  4  per  cent  to  8  per  cent  water-content  range,  for  the  reason  that 
the  maximum  and  minimum  natural-permeability  values  are  far  apart  in 
this  type  of  sand. 

2.  The  base-permeability  values  of  most  of  the  Type  II  sands  fall 
within  the  natural  permeability  range  or  at  the  maximum.  The  large 
proportion  falling  at  the  maximum  is  due  to  the  relatively  low  natural- 
permeability  values  of  this  type,  which  made  the  tolerance  limit  of  1J/2, 
as  stated  in  the  table  heading,  much  greater  than  in  the  case  of  Type  I 
sands. 

3.  Type  III  sands  show  a  greater  variation,  with  a  marked  tendency 
for  the  base-permeability  values  to  be  lower  than  the  minimum  natural- 
permeability  value. 

4.  The  averages  of  all  types  are  significant  in  that  they  show  that 
approximately  half  the  total  number  of  Illinois  molding  sands  have  a  base- 
permeability  value  between  the  minimum  and  maximum  values,  or  at  the 
maximum  value  of  the  natural  permeability  in  the  4  per  cent  to  8  per  cent 
water-content  range;  and  that  the  other  half  are  distributed  evenly,  one 


92 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


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14.4 
14.6 
14.9 
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20.9 
15.1 
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CLASSIFICATION  OF  NATURAL-BONDED  MOLDING  SANDS 


93 


Table  27. — Relation  of  base  permeability  to  natural  permeability  within  the  4  per  cent 
to  8  per  cent  water-content  range,  by  types. 


Base  permeability 

Base  permeability 

Base  permeability 

Base  permeability 

Type  of 

Number 

value  below  the 

value  between  the 

value  coincident 

value  above  maxi- 

Molding 

of 

minimum  value 

maximum  and 

with  maximum 

mum  value  of  the 

sand 

samples 

of  the  natural 

minimum  values 

value  of  natural 

natural 

permeability 

of  the  natural 
permeability 

permeability 

permeability 

Type      I 

35 

20.0 

48.6 

2.8 

28.6 

Type    II 

35 

8.6 

22.9 

37.1 

31.4 

Type  Ilia 

19 

31.6 

26.3 

10.5 

31.6 

Type  III6 

27 

48.2 

22.2 

14.8 

14.8 

Average   of 

all  types 

116 

27.1 

30.0 

16.3 

26.6 

fourth  above  the  maximum,  and  one  fourth  below  the  minimum  natural- 
permeability  value. 

RELATION    OF    DURABILITY    TO    TYPES 

The  average  percentage  of  loss  of  bond  strength  for  Type  I  sands 
(Table  28)  is  high,  probably  because  these  sands  have  clay  grades  which 
are  almost  entirely  amorphous  clay.  With  the  data  available,  no  direct 
quantitative  relation  is  apparent  between  clay  percentage  and  durability, 
yet  it  seems  certain  that  such  a  relation  must  exist.  For  example,  a  sand 
with  a  very  high  clay  content  tends  to  have  maximum  bond  strength  at 
6  per  cent,  8  per  cent,  or  10  per  cent  water  content.  The  reduction  of  clay 
content  by  the  partial  dehydration  of  the  clay  probably  lowers  the  optimum 
water  percentage,  and  may  or  may  not  reduce  bond  strength,  depending 
upon  the  relation  of  bond  strength  to  clay  content.  In  Type  I  sands, 
maximum  bond  strength  increases  with  increase  in  clay  content,  the  water 
content  being  constant,  and  a  reduction  of  the  clay  content  by  partial 
dehydration  serves  to  reduce  bond  strength.  The  percentage  of  bond 
strength  lost  by  sands  of  Types  II  and  III  are  probably  more  nearly  actual 
losses  in  available  bond  strength  because  of  the  fact  of  more  bond  strength 
throughout  the  moisture  range.  However,  until  the  relative  importance 
of  the  factors  of  reduction  of  clay  content,  migration  of  optimum  water 
content,  and  quality  of  clay,  are  established,  the  behavior  of  sand  under 
use  cannot  be  predicted. 

Table  28. — Durability  of  molding  sands  by  types. 


Type  of 

molding 

sand 

Number 

of 
samples 

Bond  strength  loss 

Maximum 

Minimum 

Average 

7 
13 

8 

10 
38 

Per  cent 

Per  cent 

Per  cent 

Type      I 

Type    II 

Type  Ilia 

Type  Ulb 

All  types 

37.7 
31.2 
19.8 
32.6 

37.7 

5.1 
Gain  2.0 

4.1 
Gain  4.3 
Gain  4.3 

26.4 
12.9 
11.4 
15.2 
15.7 

94  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Importance  and  Use  of  Type  Classification  of 
Natural-Bonded  Molding  Sands 

A  detailed  classification  of  molding  sands  would  be  so  complex  as  to 
be  undesirable.  However,  some  logical  scheme  of  basal  division  is  needed 
by  which  the  general  character  of  a  sand  may  be  stated.  The  use  of 
qualitative  terms,  such  as  fine,  coarse,  open,  and  heavy,  in  any  but  a  com- 
parative sense,  cannot  be  recommended.  They  are  colloquial  rather  than 
technical,  for  as  descriptive  terms  they  are  only  relative  to  the  judgment 
of  the  man  employing  them. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  Type  Classification  of  molding  sands,  given  in 
this  chapter,  will  be  of  value  to  both  foundrymen  and  molding  sand  pro- 
ducer. 

If  the  foundry  man  knows  to  a  certainty  the  degrees  of  the  various 
properties  of  the  molding  sand  suited  to  his  work,  he  may  describe  the 
desired  sand  in  terms  of  the  Type  Classification  given  above.  Only  those 
producing  deposits  which  normally  produce  that  type  need  be  considered 
as  possibilities,  and  of  them  only  the  particular  deposit  capable  of  furnish- 
ing a  uniform  sand  of  the  required  bond  strength,  permeability,  refractori- 
ness, and  durability.  The  greater  the  number  of  commercial  grades  pro- 
duced from  a  single  deposit  the  less  is  the  likelihood  of  the  uniformity  of 
production  of  any.  The  relation  of  physical  properties  to  origin  is  so 
definite  that  the  long-continued  production  of  several  uniform  commercial 
grades  from  a  single  deposit  is  impossible. 

If  the  molding  sand  producer  will  describe  his  product  according  to 
the  physical  properties,  he  will  be  better  able  to  serve  the  foundryman 
satisfactorily.  Because  of  the  fact  that  each  deposit  can  produce  only  a 
limited  range  of  fineness  without  resorting  to  mixing  with  its  resultant  loss 
of  degree  of  physical  properties,  the  foundryman  must  not  bring  his  limits 
of  tolerance  of  bond  strength  and  permeability  to  such  a  narrow  range  that 
the  producer  cannot  maintain  a  uniform  grade. 


CHAPTER  VI.— COUNTY  REPORTS  AND  RESULTS 

OF  TESTS 

Introduction 

Those  counties  which  contain  possible  or  proved  deposits  of  molding 
sand  are  treated  as  units  in  the  following  pages.  The  remaining  counties 
are  not  favorable  areas  for  extensive  or  valuable  deposits  of  molding  sand. 
However,  many  of  these  counties  do  contain  deposits  which  might  be  utilized 
by  local  foundries  and  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  they  may  contain 
some  deposits  which,  due  to  exceptional  geologic  conditions,  might  be  of 
value.  A  generalized  mention  of  the  areas  in  which  certain  types  of  sand 
may  be  found  will  serve  as  a  statement  of  the  resources  of  these  counties. 
Table  29  indicates  the  occurrence  by  counties  of  various  kinds  of  deposits 
and  the  Type  Classification  (see  Chapter  V,  page  75)  of  their  sands. 
Figure  37  shows  graphically  the  production  of  the  various  types  of  natural- 
bonded  molding  sand  by  counties.  In  many  of  these  counties  lack  of  demand 
for  molding  sand  makes  potential  deposits  valueless.  As  has  already  been 
mentioned,  the  State's  resources  of  alluvium  and  loess  have  not  been  in- 
cluded in  the  estimate  of  the  quantity  of  available  molding  sand,  for  their 
small  use  in  a  few  localities  does  not  necessarily  imply  value.  The  num- 
ber of  producers  working  deposits  are  stated  and  in  the  last  column  the 
total  number  of  producers  is  given.  In  some  counties  one  producer  works 
one  or  more  deposits,  hence  the  apparent  error.  Those  deposits  which 
were  seen  and  sampled  are  indicated  by  P,  that  is,  such  a  deposit,  known 
to  contain  molding  sand,  is  present.  Deposits  which  are  favorable,  that 
is,  the  deposits  present  in  which  molding  sand  might  be  found,  are  indi- 
cated by  F. 

Review  of  Kinds  of  Deposits1 
alluvium 

Alluvial  deposits  on  the  flood  plains  of  rivers  are  sometimes  utilized 
as  molding  sand.  In  most  cases  alluvial  deposits  are  so  variable  that  the 
production  of  a  uniform  grade  is  impossible.  The  physical  properties  of 
such  sands  are  rather  distinct,  and  they  may  be  classified  as  Type  II.  It  is 
evident  that  this  type  of  molding  sand  may  be  found  along  every  stream 
which  has  a  flat  flood  plain.  In  the  case  of  large  streams,  such  as  the  Mis- 
sissippi and  the  Illinois,  the  alluvial  material  deposited  adjacent  to  the  bank 
is  the  coarsest.  Along  the  smaller  winding  streams  the  upstream  end  of 
deposits  lying  within  a  curve  of  the  channel  tend  to  be  coarsest.  Those 
counties  in  which  the  stream  flood  plains  do  or  may  yield  alluvium  suitable 
for  use  as  molding  sand  are  indicated  in  Column  1  of  Table  29. 

LOESS 

The  loess,  or  calcareous  yellow  silt,  occurs  in  abundance  in  several 
counties.     The  demand  for  loess  as  molding  sand  is  small  and  deposits 

!For  further  information,  see  Chapters  II,  III  and  V. 

95 


96 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


FlG.   37. — Outline   map  of   Illinois  showing  the  types  of  natural- 
bonded   molding  sand   available. 


COUNTY    REPORTS 


97 


Table  29.    Summary  of  the  kind  of  deposit  and  the  type  of  sand  present  and  produced, 
by  counties. 


County 


Adams 

Alexander. .  . 

Bond 

Boone 

Brown 

Bureau 

Calhoun 

Carroll 

Cass 

Champaign. 
Christian.  .  . 

Clark 

Clay.  ....... 

Clinton 

Coles 

Cook 

Crawford .  .  . 
Cumberland 
De  Kalb.... 
De  Witt 
Douglas .  .  .  . 
Du  Page 

Edgar 

Edwards 
Effingham. .  . 

Fayette 

Ford 

Franklin.  .  .  . 

Fulton 

Gallatin .  .  .  . 

Greene 

Grundy 

Hamilton .  .  . 
Hancock. .  .  . 

Hardin 

Henderson.  . 

Henry 

Iroquois .  .  .  . 

Jackson 

Jasper 

Jefferson .... 

Jersey 

Jo  Daviess.  . 
Johnson . .  .  . 

Kane 

Kankakee . . . 

Kendall 

Knox 

Lake 

La  Salle 

Lawrence .  .  . 

Lee 

Livingston .  . 

Logan 

McDonough. 
McHenry .  .  . 
McLean .... 

Macon 

Macoupin. .  . 
Madison.  .  .  . 

Marion 

Marshall. .  .  . 


Type  of  molding  sand 


Black,  II     Calcareous    Yellow to    Red  .land  Red  i — m     Red  III  I— III 

yellow.  II       reH,  III  III 


Kind  of  deposit 


Alluvial 
deposits 


Column  1 


Loess 


Column  2 


Windblown 
slope 
mantle 


Column  3 


Uld  dunes 
on  terraces 


Column  4 


Old  dunes 
on  uplands 


Column  5 


Stream 
terraces 


Column  6 


Fluvio- 
glacial 


Column  7 


Number 

of 
producers 


F. — Favorable  deposits  present. 

P. — Possible  source;  sampled. 

5. — Number  of  producers  of  the  kind  of  sand  indicated. 


98 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Table  29.      Summary  of  the  kind  of  deposit  and.  the  type  of  sand  present  and  produced, 
by  counties — Continued. 


Type  of  molding  sand 

Black, II 

Calcareous 
yellow,  II 

Yellow  to 
red,  III 

Red,  I  and 
III 

Red  I— III 

Red  III 

I— III 

County 

Kind  of  deposit 

Number 
of 

Alluvial 
deposits 

Loess 

Windblown 
slope 
mantle 

Old  dunes 
on  terraces 

Old  dunes 
on  uplands 

Stream 
terraces 

Fluvio- 
glacial 

producers 

Column  1 

Column  2 

Column  3 

Column  4 

Column  5 

Column  6 

Column  7 

Mason 

Massec 

Menard 

Mercer 

Monroe 

Montgomery 

Morgan 

Moultrie. .  .  . 

Ogle 

Peoria 

Perry 

Piatt 

Pike 

Pope 

Pulaski 

Putnam 

Randolph . .  . 
Richland. .  .  . 
Rock  Island . 

Saline 

Sangamon. .  . 
Schuyler. .  .  . 

Scott 

Shelby 

St.  Clair 

Stark 

Stephenson. . 
Tazewell .... 

Union 

Vermilion . .  . 

Wabash 

Warren 

Washington . 

Wayne 

White 

Whiteside. . . 

Will 

Williamson. . 
Winnebapo. 
Woodford . . . 

F 
F 
F 
F 
F 

F 

F 
F 

F 
P 

F 
F 
F 
F 
2 
F 
F 
F 
F 
F 
F 

F 

F 
F 
F 

F 

F 
F 
F 

F 

F 

F 

F 

1 

F 
1 

1 
1 

i 

i 

i 
i 

i 

i 

3 

r 

l' 

1 
P 

V 

F 

P 

F 

I 
'] 

i 

i 

'] 
'] 

i 

-> 
-> 

i 

P 
P 

P" 
F 

P 

P 

F 

F 
3 
F 

F 

F 

F 
'l 

i 

3 
1 

1 
4 

1 

F. — Favorable  deposits  present. 

P. — Possible  source;  sampled. 

5. — Number  of  producers  of  the  kind  of  sand  indicated. 

adjacent  to  markets  are  sufficient  to  supply  all  needs.  Loess  deposits 
yield  Type  II  sands.  The  occurrence  of  loess  proper  in  workable  thick- 
ness is  indicated  in  Column  2  of  Table  29. 

SLOPE-MANTLE    DEPOSITS 


Windblown  sand  and  silt,  mixed  with  sand  and  silt  which  has  washed 
down  the  slope,  often  form  deposits  of  Type  III  molding'  sand  on  the  lower 
slopes  of  valley  walls  which  are  capped  with  loess.  The  occurrence 
of  the  slope-mantle  deposits,  Type  III  sands,  is  indicated  in  Column  3  of 
Table  29. 


ADAMS  COUNTY  99 

SOIL-COVERED    DUNES 

Old  dune  deposits,  or  sand  dunes  which  have  a  fixed  soil,  often  con- 
tain sand  with  weathered  bond  and  are  of  importance  because  such  sand 
is  Type  I.  Present  methods  of  production  change  much  of  this  sand  to 
Type  III.  Old  dunes  necessarily  occur  relatively  close  to  the  original 
source  from  which  the  wind  brought  and  concentrated  the  sand.  Under 
present-day  conditions  the  wind  is  shifting  sand  on  river  terraces  and  near 
beaches.  Such  areas  are  the  most  favorable  for  old  dunes.  The  occur- 
rence of  molding  sand  in  old  dunes  on  terraces  is  indicated  in  Column  4  of 
Table  29. 

In  a  few  cases  old  dunes  occur  on  the  uplands.  They  were  derived 
from  sand  deposits  associated  with  glacial  deposits.  Like  the  old  dunes 
on  terraces,  they  contain  Type  I  molding  sand  which  may,  in  the  process 
of  production,  be  changed  to  Type  III.  Column  5  of  Table  29  indicates 
the  occurrence  of  these  sands. 

STREAM-TERRACE    DEPOSITS 

Stream-terrace  deposits  are  sands  which  were  deposited  in  the  channel 
or  on  the  flood  plain  of  a  river  at  a  time  when  either  the  river  bed  or  the 
water  level  was  higher  than  it  is  at  present.  Such  deposits  are  essentially 
alluvium,  but  exceptional  conditions  may  have  produced  a  deposit  rela- 
tively free  from  silt,  from  which  subsequent  weathering  has  removed  the 
black  "vegetable"  bond  and  formed  a  red  or  weathered  bond.  Such 
deposits  are  commonly  of  Type  III;  although  some  parts  of  some  deposits 
are  Type  I,  such  occurrences  must  be  looked  upon  as  rare  exceptions. 
The  occurrence  of  molding  sands  in  stream-terrace  deposits  is  indicated 
in  Column  6  of  Table  29. 

FLUVIO-GLACIAL    DEPOSITS 

Fluvio-glacial  deposits  which  contain  molding  sand  occur  only  in 
the  drift  ridges  of  Bond  and  Fayette  counties.  The  deposits  are  large 
and  yield  an  exceedingly  uniform  grade  of  Type  I  molding  sand.  Their 
occurrence  is  noted  in  Column  7  of  Table  29. 

Adams  County 

The  fine  yellow  silt  or  loess  which  caps  the  bluffs  of  the  Mississippi 
comprises  the  only  molding  sand  produced  in  this  county.  Loess  may 
be  seen  capping  the  bluffs  at  many  points,  constituting  the  major  part  of 
the  overburden  of  several  stone  quarries.  On  the  lower  parts  of  the 
slope,  where  rainwash  is  mingled  with  the  windblown  material,  the  fineness 
of  the  loess  is  often  modified  by  coarser  material.  The  loess  is  a  calcareous 
Type  II  molding  sand.  Its  utilization  is  largely  dependent  upon  local 
demand. 

It  is  improbable  that  coarser  molding  sands  will  be  found  in  the 
county. 

Two  producers  make  use  of  the  loess  and  its  associated  wash  material, 
supplying  local  foundries  only.  The  sand  is  used  for  a  greensand  for  wheel 
work  and  as  a  bond  renewer  for  coarser  sands. 


100  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Stratman  pits,  north  edge  of  Quincy 

Mr.  E.  F.  Stratman  operates  pits  in  the  SW.J4  NW.M  sec.  26,  T.  1  S., 
R.  9  W.,  just  north  of  Quincy.  Leached  slope-wash  material  containing 
pebbles  makes  up  a  4-  to  6-foot  thickness  on  the  lower  slope.  Loess  is 
present  on  the  upper  slope.     Several  thousand  tons  are  available. 

Piatt  pits,  north  edge  of  Quincy 

The  pits  of  Mr.  J.  A.  Piatt  are  x/%  mile  northeast  of  the  Stratman 
pits.  Loess  makes  up  the  whole  section,  which  has  a  maximum  workable 
thickness  of  9  feet.  Sample  No.  139  (see  Table  30)  was  taken  at  the 
Electric  Wheel  Company,  Quincy,  where  it  is  used  for  light  gray  iron  cast- 
ing and  as  a  bond  renewer.     This  is  a  calcareous  Type  II  sand. 

Alexander  County 

No  deposits  of  molding  sand  were  seen  in  this  county  and  there  is 
small  likelihood  of  the  discovery  of  deposits  of  sufficient  extent  to  merit 
development,  although  alluvial  deposits,  where  sufficiently  sandy,  might 
be  utilized  locally. 

Ganister 

The  weathered  chart  in  the  vicinity  of  Elco  is  mined  by  the  Inter- 
national Silica  Company  of  Cairo  and  the  Tamms  Silica  Company  of 
Tamms.  That  which  is  not  pure  white  is  discarded  because  of  being 
off-color,  and  is,  in  some  cases,  shipped  as  ganister  to  the  St.  Louis  market. 
A  more  distant  market  is  hardly  obtainable  as  the  quartzite  ganister, 
quarried  on  large  scale  in  Wisconsin  and  in  other  localities,  competes  too 
strongly  with  the  ganister  mined  by  drifts  in  this  county. 

Bond  and  Fayette  Counties 

These  two  counties  are  best  considered  as  a  unit,  for  their  molding 
sand  deposits  are  of  the  same  origin  and  mode  of  occurrence.  Figure  38 
shows  the  location  of  the  molding  sand  deposits  of  these  counties. 

Those  ridges  and  hilly  areas  which  are  composed  of  thick  glacial 
deposits  of  interbedded  sands  and  gravels,  comprise  the  favorable  terri- 
tory. The  once-clean  sandy  gravel  contains  weathered  clay  bond,  the 
percentage  of  clay  being  very  high  at  the  surface  and  gradually  decreasing 
downward  until  clean  sandy  gravel  is  reached  at  a  depth  varying  from  8 
to  15  feet  below  the  surface  of  the  deposit.  This  weathered  layer  is  thick- 
est under  the  higher  ground,  where  it  makes  up  the  thickness  of  the  workable 
pit  sections  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand.  This  bonded  layer  is  so 
heavy  that  the  sharp  sand  at  the  base  is  often  utilized  for  mixing  to  open 
the  sand.  In  all  the  pits  the  amount  of  bond  in  the  sand  may  be  varied, 
without  contaminating  the  sand  with  silt,  by  taking  only  certain  portions 
of  the  face  or  by  mixing  parts  of  the  section.  The  relative  fineness  varies 
somewhat  both  horizontally  and  vertically,  but  the  sand  is  so  well  sorted 
and  contains  such  a  small  percentage  of  fine  sand  and  silt  that  the  average 
fineness  of  the  sand  produced  remains  remarkably  uniform.  The  same 
is  true  between  Mulberry  Grove  and  Greenville.  At  Tamalco  a  strip 
some  two  miles  long  and  one  mile  wide  borders  the  valley  of  the  river. 


BOND  AND  FAYETTE  COUNTIES 


101 


Ft.  A  W. R-  3  W.  r.  2  W.  R.  1  W. 


R.  1  E.  R.  2  E. 


•      Molding  sand  deposit 


6  Miles 


Fig.  38. — Map  of  molding  sand  deposits  of  Bond  and  Fayette  counties. 


102  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF   ILLINOIS 

Even  though  the  deposits  are  widespread  and  generally  continuous, 
the  present  available  areas  are  limited  to  those  within  two  miles  of  ship- 
ping points.  On  this  basis  there  are  four  producing  districts:  the  Vandalia 
area,  including  Bluff  City;  and  the  Mulberry  Grove,  Greenville,  and 
Tamalco  districts. 

VANDALIA   DISTRICT 

McKinney  Bros,  pit 
The  pit  of  McKinney  Bros.,  on  the  south  side  of  the  creek  in  the 
SW.J4  SW.34  sec.  32,  T.7  N.,  R.l  E.,  3  miles  north  of  Vandalia,  is  a  nearly 
level  terrace  of  glacial  sand  and  gravel.  The  workable  thickness  of  15 
feet,  overlain  by  2 Y2  feet  of  clayey  soil,  is  made  up  of  sand  and  fine  gravel 
containing  relatively  few  pebbles,  all  quartzose.  The  top  sand  is  very 
heavy  and  grades  downward  to  sharp  iron-stained  sand  at  the  bottom. 
Sample  No.  163  (see  Table  30)  is  a  section  of  the  pit  face  and  represents 
pit  run.  The  upper  half  of  the  face  alone  would  be  a  much  heavier  grade 
and  the  lower  half  a  more  open  grade.  The  fineness  is  uniform.  This  is 
a  Type  I  sand,  with  high  bond  strength  and  permeability.  The  sand  is 
hand-shoveled  and  wagon-hauled  }/$  mile  to  a  spur  of  the  Illinois  Central 
Railroad.  Possibly  80,000  tons  have  been  removed  and  200,000  tons  are 
yet  available  on  the  property. 

Mattes  prospect 

Nearly  half  a  mile  west  of  the  McKinney  pit,  on  the  property  of 
Mr.  J.  Mattes,  a  prospective  pit  face  had  been  cleared.  The  exposed 
thickness  of  7  feet  should  increase  as  the  pit  is  developed,  although  the 
overburden  will  also  increase  to  5  feet  or  more.  Tree  roots  offer  some 
hindrance  to  development.  The  face  consists  of  sand  and  fine  gravel 
with  a  variable  amount  of  bond.  The  sand  is  apparently  workable, 
although  its  prevailing  quality  can  not  be  judged  from  so  small  an  exposure. 
A  large  amount  of  sand  is  contained  in  the  property,  but  as  the  difficulties 
of  development  will  limit  the  available  amount  it  is  impossible  to  make  an 
estimate. 

State  Prison  Farm  prospect 

On  the  State  Prison  Farm  in  the  SW.34  NW.J^  sec.  32,  T.7  N.,  R.  IE., 
?>y<i  miles  north  of  Vandalia,  there  is  exposed  below  2  feet  of  soil,  a  9-foot 
thickness  of  stratified  material,  the  upper  5  feet  of  relatively  fine,  even- 
grained  sand,  free  from  pebbles  (Sample  No.  162,  Table  30),  and  the  lower 
4  feet  of  somewhat  finer  texture.  Sample  No.  161  (Table  30)  represents 
the  total  9-foot  section.  Both  samples  are  Type  I  sands  with  high  bond 
strength.  It  would  appear  that  the  section  could  be  worked  either  in 
part  or  as  a  whole.  A  spur  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  is  adjacent  to 
the  exposure,  so  that  loading  might  be  direct.  It  is  probable  that  50,000 
tons  or  more  are  available,  but  the  texture  and  thickness  of  the  beds  may 
vary  and  reduce  or  increase  that  figure. 

Stultz  pits 
East  of  Vandalia  2^  miles,  on  the  east  bluff  of  Kaskaskia  River,  are 
the   molding  sand   pits  operated   by   Mr.    Eugene  Stultz.    Two   types  of 


BOND  AND  FAYETTE  COUNTIES  103 

molding  sand  are  produced,  the  coarse  red  sand  typical  of  the  district  and 
a  finer,  more  open  sand,  which  was  the  only  sand  of  its  type  seen  in  either 
of  the  two  counties.  From  4  to  10  feet  of  the  coarse  red  sand  are  exposed 
in  pits  in  the  lower  slope  of  the  hill.  Sample  No.  165  (Table  30),  which 
represents  pit  run,  is  a  very  heavy  Type  I  sand.  Mixing  with  sharp  sand 
at  the  base  of  the  pit  section  permits  a  considerable  range  of  bond  strength. 
Scattered  pebbles  are  present,  but  the  percentage  larger  than  J4  mcn  is 
small.  The  finer  sand,  which  is  of  windblown  origin,  and  is  found  on  the 
upper  slope  and  on  the  flat  top  of  the  bluff,  is  represented  by  Sample  No. 
164  (see  Table  30).  The  workable  section  varies  in  thickness  from  2  to 
6  feet  and  is  underlain  by  sharp  sand.  This  sand  is  a  Type  I  sand  having 
a  very  high  bond  strength  and  permeability.  Sample  No.  37  (see  Table  30) , 
a  produced  sand  from  the  National  Malleable  Company,  Chicago,  is  similar 
to  No.  164.  The  sand  is  hand-shoveled  and  hauled  by  wagon  and  truck 
to  the  siding  at  Bluff  City.  At  least  50,000  tons  and  possibly  five  times 
that  amount  are  available  of  the  finer  molding  sand,  besides  a  considerable 
amount  of  the  coarse  red  sand. 

MULBERRY   GROVE   DISTRICT 

Coarse  Red  Molding  Sand  Co.  pit 

The  pit  of  the  Coarse  Red  Molding  Sand  Company  is  located  near  the 
center  of  sec.  32,  T.6  N.,  R.l  W.,  2^  miles  east  of  Mulberry  Grove.  Some 
five  acres,  on  the  slope  of  the  creek  valley,  have  been  almost  worked  out 
during  the  last  16  years.  The  present  pit  is  located  on  the  higher  ground 
and  exposes  a  workable  thickness  of  9  feet  below  3  feet  of  overburden. 
The  face  consists  of  coarse  sand  with  a  very  little  fine  gravel  and  is  prac- 
tically free  from  pebbles.  Bond  distribution  is  gradational  vertically,  the 
heaviest  sand  being  at  the  top.  Sample  No.  169  (see  Table  30)  represents 
pit  run  of  the  total  section.  Like  the  other  sands,  this  is  a  Type  I  sand. 
The  sand  is  hand-shoveled  and  hauled  by  truck  to  the  Pennsylvania  Rail- 
road siding  \}/2  miles  west.  The  glacial  gravels  underlie  many  acres 
adjacent  to  the  pit  property.  If  all  of  the  weathered  layer  consists  of 
workable  sand,  several  hundred  thousand  tons  are  available. 

Abandoned  pits  east  of  Mulberry  Grove 

A  mile  east  of  Mulberry  Grove,  on  either  side  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railroad,  are  abandoned  pits.  The  pit  to  the  north  was  abandoned  be- 
cause further  development  endangered  the  State  Road  grade.  The  pit 
to  the  south  of  the  track  contains  a  6-foot  thickness  of  workable  sand, 
but  the  available  supply  is  small. 

Warren  Sand  Co.  pit 

The  Warren  Sand  Company's  pit,  \\i  miles  south  of  Mulberry  Grove, 
exposes  an  8-foot  section  (fig.  39).  The  face  is  made  up  of  coarse  sand 
and  fine  gravel  with  very  few  pebbles.  Sample  No.  168  (see  Table  30), 
taken  from  partially  loaded  cars,  is  a  Type  I  sand  with  considerable  silt, 
which  suggests  too  shallow  stripping.  Sample  No.  100  (see  Table  30) 
from  this  pit,  collected  from  the  bin  of  the  Franks  Foundries  Corporation, 


104 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Fig.  39. — Molding  sand  pit  face  operated  by  Warren  Sand  Co.,  I^l  miles  south 
of  Mulberry  Grove,  Bond  County 


FlG.  40. — Molding  sand  pit  face  operated  by  G.  Nicol  and  Son,  1M>  miles  east 
of  Tamalco,  Bond  County. 


BOND  AND  FAYETTE  COUNTIES  105 

Moline  plant,  has  the  same  silt-clay  ratio  with  a  lower  clay  percentage. 
The  optimum  water  content  is  lower,  but  bond  strength  is  about  equal 
and  natural  permeability  is  much  higher.  These  are  minor  variations 
and  the  two  samples  well  illustrate  the  uniformity  of  the  deposit.  The 
face  is  shot  down  and  the  sand  hauled  by  wagon  to  Mulberry  Grove.  At 
least  80,000  tons  are  available  if  the  thickness  and  quality  remain  constant. 

GREENVILLE    DISTRICT 

W.  M.  Peterson  and  Sons  pits 

The  pits  operated  by  W.  M.  Peterson  and  Sons  are  located  on  the 
southeast  slope  of  the  creek  valley  in  sec.  10,  T.5  N.,  R.3  W.,  half  a  mile 
from  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  siding  in  Greenville.  The  thickness 
varies  from  3  to  10  feet,  and  the  fineness,  in  any  one  pit,  is  fairly  uniform. 
The  many  exposures  revealed  that  horizontal  variability  in  fineness  is 
marked.  A  vertical  change  from  sand  to  fine  gravel  occurs  in  some  places. 
Clay  is  distributed  gradationally  from  the  top  downward.  The  pit  run  of 
the  pit  in  operation  when  visited,  is  indicated  by  Sample  No.  170  (see 
Table  30),  which  was  taken  from  a  partly  loaded  car.  This  sand  is  on 
the  border  line  between  Type  I  and  Type  III  because  of  its  high  silt  con- 
tent and  evenly  distributed  grain.  The  difficulty  of  mixing  and  main- 
taining a  uniform  product  under  conditions  of  varying  fineness  is  partly 
offset  by  the  advantage  of  varying,  within  limits,  the  fineness  of  the  products 
to  suit  a  variety  of  needs.  The  product  is  hand-shoveled  and  wagon-hauled. 
It  is  impossible  to  make  an  estimate  of  available  sand,  but  it  is  certain  that 
this  tract  is  far  from  worked  out. 

Ed.  B.  Squier  Co.  pit 

The  pit  of  the  Ed.  B.  Squier  Company  is  located  in  the  SW.J4  sec.  2, 
T.5  N.,  R.3  W.,  \}/2  miles  from  the  siding  in  Greenville.  A  face  varying 
from  5  to  8  feet,  capped  by  3  to  5  feet  of  clay,  constitutes  the  working  sec- 
tion. There  is  the  common  range  of  bond,  the  sand  becoming  sharper 
from  the  top  downward.  In  addition  there  is  some  horizontal  variation  in 
fineness.  Sample  No.  171  (see  Table  30  and  figures  28  and  30)  represents 
the  total  section.  It  is  a  very  coarse  Type  I  sand  with  exceptionally  high 
natural  permeability.  Samples  No.  52  and  53  (see  Table  30)  were  taken  in 
the  foundry  of  Greenlee  Bros.,  Rockford.  Sample  No.  52  is  of  finer  texture 
than  No.  171  and  is  a  Type  I  sand.  Sample  No.  53  is  almost  identical  in 
texture  except  for  the  presence  of  more  than  10  per  cent  more  silt;  the  silt 
decreases  its  bond  strength  about  34 >  its  natural  permeability  almost  3^, 
and  its  base  permeability  more  than  %.  Sample  No.  52  is  a  good  example 
of  a  Type  Ilia  sand,  made  by  mixing  fine  material  with  pit-run  Type  I 
sand.  The  sand  is  hand-shoveled  and  hauled  by  truck  to  Greenville. 
It  would  appear  that  considerably  more  than  100,000  tons  are  available, 
but  the  variable  nature  of  the  deposits  in  the  Greenville  district  make 
estimation  difficult. 

Garden  City  Sand  Co.  pit 

A  small  pit  operated  by  the  Garden  City  Sand  Company  is  located  in 
the  southeast  bluff  of  the  creek,  in  the  NE.^  sec.  10,  T.5  N.,  R.3  W.,  half 


106  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

a  mile  northwest  of  Greenville.  The  thickness  does  not  average  more 
than  4  feet,  but  further  development  should  meet  with  increased  thickness. 
Large  pebbles  are  present  and  the  bond  is  very  heavy,  necessitating  the 
addition  of  the  sharp  sand  from  the  base  of  the  section.  Further  develop- 
ment is  needed  to  prove  the  quality  of  this  deposit. 

TAMALCO    DISTRICT 

G.  Nicol  and  Son's  pit 

The  pit  operated  by  G.  Nicol  and  Son  (fig.  40)  is  located  \x/i  miles 
east  of  Tamalco,  adjacent  to  the  north  line  of  sec.  25,  T.4  N.,  R.2  W.  The 
maximum  thickness  is  10  feet  and  some  parts  of  the  face  are  much  less. 
Coarse  sand,  fine  gravel,  and  scattered  pebbles,  with  the  bond  decreasing 
in  amount  from  the  top  downward,  make  up  the  section. 

Waste  is  eliminated  in  the  production  of  the  heavier  bond  grades  by 
the  use  of  faces  opened  to  the  desired  depth.  For  the  more  open  grades 
the  sharper  sand  exposed  at  the  base  of  the  total  section  is  available. 
Sample  No.  166  (figs.  28  and  29,  and  Table  30)  represents  the  heavy 
material  from  the  top  6  feet  of  the  section.  Sample  No.  167  is  a  half-and- 
half  mix  of  the  top  3  feet  and  of  the  sharp  iron-stained  sand  from  the  base 
of  the  section.  As  is  common,  the  mixed  sample  contains  much  more 
silt  than  the  produced  grade.  Sample  No.  179  (fig.  28)  is  from  the  bin  of 
the  Enterprise  Foundry  Company,  Belleville.  It  is  almost  identical  with 
No.  166  and  is  illustrative  of  the  uniformity  of  the  deposit. 

The  sand  is  hand-shoveled  and  hauled  by  truck  to  Tamalco.  There 
is  an  area  of  about  20  acres  underlain  by  the  sand,  which,  if  of  the  same 
quality  and  thickness  as  that  exposed  in  the  pit,  would  total  some  400,000 
tons. 

Boone  County 

It  is  unlikely  that  molding  sand  will  be  found  in  any  part  of  Boone 
County  except  in  the  deposits  associated  with  the  streams.  The  terraces 
along  Kishwaukee  River  are  of  gravel  with  little  or  no  overlying  sand. 
The  valleys  of  Beaver,  Coon,  and  particularly  Piscasaw  creeks,  are  pos- 
sible areas  in  which  large  deposits  might  be  found. 

Stream  terraces  of  Piscasaw  Creek 

In  the  NW.M  NE.^  sec.  24,  T.45  N.,  R.4  E.,  3^  miles  southwest 
of  Capron,  a  six-inch  layer  of  very  good  molding  sand  is  exposed  in  the 
bank  of  Piscasaw  Creek.  Two  to  three  feet  of  sand,  containing  very  thin 
silt  partings,  with  a  two-foot  overburden,  are  present  in  the  south  bank 
of  the  creek  just  west  of  the  line  between  sees.  26  and  27,  of  the  same  town- 
ship. Sample  No.  43  (see  Table  30),  collected  at  this  point,  is  a  good- 
quality  Type  I  sand.  The  silt  content  of  this  deposit  will  vary  horizontally 
as  the  deposit  is  a  stream  terrace.  Between  20,000  and  40,000  tons  are 
available. 

South  and  west  of  this  point,  on  the  flat  plain  which  constitutes  the 
terrace,  a  2-  to  3-foot  thickness  of  light-yellow  silt  lies  directly  beneath  the 
soil  and  above  coarser  sand.     It  is  possible  that  this  material  might  be 


BUREAU  COUNTY  107 

suitable  for  molding  sand  in  some  places.  These  deposits  are  a  consid- 
erable distance  from  a  shipping  point  and  profitable  development  would 
necessitate  machine-  or  scraper-digging  and  motor-hauling. 

Bureau  County 

The  molding  sand  deposits  of  Bureau  County  are  limited  to  rela- 
tively small  areas  (fig.  41).  All  are  windblown  sand  deposits  which  mantle 
hill  slopes  and  which  are  not  topographically  evident.  However,  they 
are  dome-shaped  and  are  classified  as  upland  dunes.  The  sands  produced 
are  of  uniform  fineness  and  contain  weathered  red  clay  bond,  which  is  dis- 
tributed in  clayey  layers  with  sharp  sand  between.  A  layer  of  silty  clay 
1  to  V/i  feet  in  thickness  overlies  the  sand.  The  contact  is  gradational, 
there  being  about  6  to  8  inches  of  sandy  silt.  If  stripped  below  this  zone, 
such  a  deposit  is  favorable  for  the  production  of  Type  I  sand,  but  if  part 
of  the  overburden  is  included  the  sand  produced  will  be  Type  Ilia.  As 
the  fineness  of  the  sand  varies  but  little,  grades  of  commercial  bond  con- 
tent are  made  by  the  addition  of  the  silty  surface  clay  or  the  basal  sharp 
sand.     Sand  is  shipped  from  Wyanet  and  Buda. 

Golden  and  Larson  Company  pits 

The  Golden  and  Larson  Company  operate  several  pits  in  the  SE.J4 
sec.  21,  T.16  N.,  R.8  E.,  a  mile  southeast  of  Wyanet.  The  pit  faces  have 
an  average  thickness  of  about  4  feet;  the  fineness  is  uniform;  and  the  silty 
surface  clay  which  underlies  the  soil  is  added  to  increase  the  bond  strength. 
Sample  No.  113  (see  Table  30)  is  pit  run  of  one  face  which  was  being 
worked.  It  is  a  Type  III  sand.  It  would  appear  that  at  least  100,000 
tons  are  yet  available,  although  many  thousand  tons  have  been  removed 
during  past  years. 

Roadcut  exposures 

A  2-foot  section  of  molding  sand  is  exposed  at  several  points  along 
the  road  which  bounds  sees.  17  and  20,  T.16  N.,  R.8  E.,  x/i  to  134  miles 
west  of  Wyanet.  The  bond  is  not  constant  and  the  thickness  is  hardly 
sufficient  to  merit  development.  No  sand  was  seen  on  the  east  side  of 
Bureau  Creek,  east  of  Wyanet. 

Westervilt  pit 

A  mile  east  of  Buda  in  the  NW.J4  sec.  35,  T.16  N.,  R.7  E.,  is  a  de- 
posit of  molding  sand  (fig.  24)  which  is  worked  by  Mr.  Jesse  Westervilt. 
The  maximum  thickness  is  4  feet.  The  fineness  is  uniform.  Bond  grades 
are  made  by  including  more  or  less  of  the  clayey  layer  at  the  top.  Sample 
No.  116  (see  figs.  34  and  35,  and  Table  30)  is  pit  run  and  No.  117  is  a 
sample  taken  from  a  dug  hole  some  200  yards  from  the  pit  face.  They 
indicate  the  uniformity  of  the  deposit.  These  sands  are  just  on  the  border 
line  between  Types  I  and  III.  A  closer  stripping  of  the  surface  clay  would 
yield  a  weaker,  more  open,  Type  I  sand.     Some  60,000  tons  are  available. 


108 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


R.  7  E 


Molding  sand  deposit 
Fig.  41. — Map  of  molding  sand  deposits  of   Bureau  County. 


CARROLL   COUNTY  109 

Lay  pits 

Mr.  Lay  operates  pits  in  the  north  center  of  sec.  33,  T.16  N.,  R.7  E., 
three-fourths  mile  west  of  Buda  and  in  the  NW.J{  sec.  32,  1^  miles  west 
of  Buda.  Sample  No.  115  (see  Table  30)  is  a  produced  grade.  Sample 
No.  114  included  the  surface  clay.  The  maximum  bond  is  much  the  same, 
but  the  heavier  sand  has  a  higher  optimum  water  content  and  more  uniform 
bond  strength,  throughout  the  working  range.  The  permeability  is  of 
the  same  degree.  The  amount  of  workable  sand  available  is  considerable 
but  is  difficult  to  estimate.  The  pits  in  the  NW.^t  sec.  32  contain  a  3- 
to  5-foot  thickness  of  workable  sand.  The  bond  is  distributed  in  uniform 
clayey  layers  between  which  are  layers  of  sharp  sand.  The  texture  being 
nearly  uniform,  grades  are  made  on  bond  content.  At  least  40,000  tons 
are  available  at  the  latter  location  and  it  is  probable  that  several  times 
that  amount  is  present  in  the  vicinity. 

Carroll  County 

No  workable  deposits  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand  were  seen  in 
Carroll  County,  although  considerable  areas  lying  mostly  in  the  Mississippi 
valley  and  along  its  bluffs  contain  sand  and  for  that  reason  are  possible 
areas. 

There  is  an  abundance  of  sharp  sand  on  the  terraces  of  the  Mississippi. 
Auger  borings  indicate  that  several  6-inch  layers  of  molding  sand  are 
sometimes  found  at  a  depth  of  6  to  8  feet.  The  most  probable  area  is 
along  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad  from  a  point  a  mile 
south  of  Savannah  to  the  Whiteside  County  line.  Any  deposit  of  work- 
able thickness  found  in  the  valley  will  be  overlain  by  at  least  3  feet  of 
sharp  sand.  The  light-yellow  loess  is  common  on  the  bluffs  south  of 
Savannah  but  none  of  the  deposits  could  compete  with  the  more  avail- 
able locations  in  other  counties.  The  small  areas  of  sand  in  the  south- 
central  part  of  the  county  are  of  no  value  for  molding  sand. 

Cass  County 

The  lower  slopes  of  the  east  valley  wall  of  Illinois  River  are  the  only 
areas  in  Cass  County  favorable  for  molding  sand.  The  broad  terrace  is 
surfaced  in  places  with  shifting  sharp  sand  and  the  presence  of  bonded 
sand  is  improbable.  However,  the  sandy  flat  is  the  source  of  the  sand 
which  has  been  blown  up  against  the  slope,  mixed  with  slope-wash,  and 
weathered  until  it  is  a  natural-bonded  molding  sand. 

G.  Nicol  and  Sons  pits 

One  company,  G.  Nicol  and  Son,  operates  pits  in  Cass  County.  Two 
pits  are  worked  in  a  large  deposit  which  extends  irregularly  some  two 
miles  north  from  Arenzville  along  the  lower  slopes  of  the  valley  wall. 
The  sand  is  all  Type  III,  as  the  variability  of  the  section  is  unavoidable, 
considering  the  varying  degrees  of  steepness  and  direction  of  face  of  the 
slope.  In  general  the  coarsest  sand  is  near  the  base  of  the  slope,  but  this 
could  only  be  true  if  the  slope  was  a  tilted  plane  and  the  depositing  agent 


110  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF   ILLINOIS 

a  wind  of  constant  velocity  and  direction.  In  addition,  much  finer  material 
is  mixed  with  the  sand  because  of  slope-wash  during  the  deposition  of  the 
sand.  It  is  quite  evident  that  the  maintenance  of  uniform  grades  is 
entirely  in  the  hands  of  the  producer. 

Samples  No.  143  and  144  (see  Table  30)  represent  the  coarsest  and 
finest  phases  seen  in  one  of  the  pits,  one-half  mile  north  of  Arenzville  siding 
and  the  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  Railroad.  Sample  No.  143  is 
a  Type  I  sand,  but  as  a  producible  grade  it  would  be  of  slight  extent. 
This  part  of  the  deposit  has  from  50,000  to  120,000  tons  of  available  sand. 
Sample  No.  145  comes  from  the  face  of  another  pit  and  is  from  the  upper 
4  feet  of  a  53^-foot  section.  Sample  No.  146  is  from  the  lower  \}4,  feet. 
It  contains  lime  concretions  which  entirely  make  up  the  40-mesh  grade, 
and  are  scattered  through  the  finer  grades.  It  is  of  no  value  as  a  molding 
sand  and  must  be  kept  out  of  produced  grades.  Some  30,000  tons  are  in 
this  part  of  the  deposit.  Sample  No.  177,  from  the  Eagle  Foundry  Com- 
pany, Belleville,  and  No.  138,  from  the  Electric  Wheel  Company,  Quincy, 
are  samples  of  produced  sands.  Both  are  good  examples  of  fine-textured 
Type  \\\b  sands. 

Bluff  Springs  unworked  deposit 

Sample  No.  147  (see  figs.  34  and  36,  and  Table  30),  representing  a 
very  fine  Type  1 1  lb  sand,  was  taken  from  an  unworked  deposit  in  NE.J4 
NW.J4  sec.  27,  T.18  N.,  R.ll  W.  The  sample  was  mixed  from  several 
channels  of  a  2-  to  4-foot  section  which  is  extremely  variable  vertically. 
It  is  doubtful  if  molding  sand  can  be  produced  from  this  deposit,  for 
though  the  sand  is  fine,  it  contains  too  high  a  ratio  of  coarse  sand  for 
smooth  work.     The  total  extent  is  14,000  to  35,000  tons. 

Cook  County 

No  commercially  valuable  deposits  of  molding  sand  were  seen  in 
Cook  County  (see  fig.  43)  and  there  is  no  record  of  any  production  dur- 
ing the  current  year.  Sharp  sand  is  abundant  as  old  dunes  and  beach 
deposits,  but  sand  containing  bond  is  lacking.  Considerable  attention 
was  given  to  this  area,  but  only  two  prospects,  of  doubtful  value,  were  seen. 

Willow  Springs 

A  mile  southwest  of  Willow  Springs  in  the  NW.J4  sec.  7,  T.37  N., 
R.12  E.,  in  the  south  valley  wall  of  Des  Plaines  River,  a  stratified  deposit 
of  fine  gravels,  sands,  and  silts  is  exposed.  Some  of  the  silty  layers  might 
be  utilized  should  they  occur  near  the  surface. 

Westernmost  townships 

The  two  westermost  townships  are  the  most  probable  areas  in  the 
county,  but  there  is  small  possibility  of  discovery  of  workable  deposits. 

On  the  farm  of  Mr.  Henry  Louis  (fig.  43),  43^  miles  southwest  of 
Barrington,  in  the  NE.  \i  SW.  \i  sec.  9,  T.  42  N.,  R.  9  E.,  there  is  exposed 
a  three-foot  layer  of  an  excellent  Type  I  sand  (Sample  No.  10,  Table  30). 
Overburden  3  to  5  feet  thick  is  present,  and  the  distance  from  a  shipping 
point  seems  prohibitive  of  development1. 


DE  KALB  COUNTY  111 

De  Kalb  County 

Kishwaukee  River  deposit 

The  only  probable  area  for  molding  sand  deposits  in  De  Kalb  County 
is  along  the  South  Branch  of  Kishwaukee  River.  The  terraces  on  both 
sides  of  the  river,  in  sec.  23,  T.  42  N.,  R.  3  E.,  contain  some  coarse  open 
sand,  but  no  workable  deposits  were  seen.  Evidences  of  molding  sand 
were  seen  along  the  line  between  sees.  32  and  33,  T.  42  N.,  R.  4  E.,  but 
the  patchiness  of  the  deposits  and  distance  from  a  shipping  point  are 
unfavorable  for  development.  The  area  is  well  worth  prospecting  with 
a  view  to  discovering  extensive  deposits  of  coarse-textured,  rather  open 
sand. 

Du  Page  County 

No  workable  deposits  of  molding  sand  were  seen  in  Du  Page  County 
and  it  is  not  probable  that  any  deposits  will  be  found.  The  most  favorable 
area  is  the  northwest  part  of  T.  40  N.,  R.  9  E.,  the  northwest  township  of 
the  county. 

Gallatin  County 

Wabash  River  terrace 

The  broad  terraces  of  Wabash  River  do  not  seem  favorable  for  mold- 
ing sand.  The  sand  is  so  intimately  mixed  with  silt,  and  is  vertically  and 
horizontally  so  variable  that  there  is  little  prospect  of  the  discovery  of 
molding  sand  in  the  waterlaid  terrace  sands.  The  windblown  sands  de- 
rived from  the  terrace  are  of  much  more  value,  as  they  are  well  sorted 
(see  fig.  49B).  The  establishment  of  a  soil  and  the  subsequent  weather- 
ing of  the  sand  furnishes  a  bond. 

Shawneetown  Hills 

Old  dunes  were  not  seen  in  Gallatin  County,  but  windblown  sand 
derived  from  the  flat  to  the  west  mantles  the  lower  slopes  of  the  west 
face  of  the  Shawneetown  Hills.  The  deposit  has  a  gross  content  of  128,000 
to  700,000  tons.  The  south  end  of  the  deposit  extends  to  and  across  the 
right  of  way  of  the  Louisville  and  Nashville  Railroad  in  the  SE.  x/i  SW.  \i 
sec.  21,  T.  9  S.,  R.  9  E.,  one  mile  east  of  Junction  siding.  A  6-foot  section 
of  bonded  sand  was  exposed  on  the  road  which  parallels  the  track  at  this 
point.  Sample  No.  190  (see  Table  30)  was  taken  from  the  upper  two 
feet  and  Sample  No.  191  from  the  lower  4  feet  of  the  section.  Both  are 
Type  III  sands,  and  it  is  hardly  probable  that  the  deposit  is  capable  of 
producing  Type  I  sand,  as  it  is  subject  to  the  variations  common  to  wind- 
blown deposits  on  slopes.  The  uncommon  size  and  thickness  of  this  deposit 
make  it  of  considerable  value  even  though  the  chances  of  obtaining  uniform 
production  are  small. 

Grundy  County 

No  workable  deposits  of  molding  sand  were  seen  in  Grundy  County 
but  there  is  some  possibility  of  the  discovery  of  more  or  less  extensive 
deposits.     (See  fig.  43.) 


112  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Those  areas,  as  Sand  Ridge,  in  sec.  16,  T.  34  N.,  R.  8  E.,  which  are 
covered  with  sharp  sand  are  not  especially  favorable,  as  whatever  molding 
sand  may  be  present  is  covered  by  several  feet  of  sharp  sand  which  makes 
the  deposit  difficult  of  discovery  and  expensive  to  develop.  Northeast  of 
Eileen,  located  in  sec.  35,  T.  33  N.,  R.  8  E.  there  is  an  area  covered  by 
sands  and  silts  in  which  molding  sand  might  be  found,  but  the  probability 
of  workable  deposits  is  small.  The  most  favorable  area  is  the  beach  of 
old  Lake  Morris.  This  beach  area  is  mapped  in  the  report  on  the  areal 
geology  of  the  Morris  quadrangle1 

The  beach  deposits  are  not  in  themselves  valuable,  but  windblown 
deposits  derived  from  them  and  now  covered  by  vegetation,  may  contain 
molding  sand.  The  best  locations  should  be  east  of  a  well-developed 
beach  deposit,  preferably  near  a  point  where  a  stream  now  crosses  the 
beach  deposit. 

Mazon  River  terraces 

Stream  terraces  bordering  Mazon  River  and  its  tributaries  are  of 
promise,  particularly  between  the  Sante  Fe  and  the  Big  Four  railroads 
and  the  Chicago  and  Alton  Railroad.  The  terrace  on  the  north  side  of 
the  river  at  the  bridge  in  the  south  part  of  sec.  13,  T.  32  N.,  R.  7  E.,  2^ 
miles  east  of  Mazon,  showed  a  thickness  of  l1/^  feet  of  Type  III  sand.  The 
extent  is  probably  slight  and  the  quality  variable. 

Hancock  and  Henderson  Counties 

Hancock  and  Henderson  counties  (fig.  42)  are  best  considered  together 
as  their  molding  sand  deposits  are  of  similar  origin. 

In  general,  the  deposits  are  to  be  found  at  the  base,  on  the  slopes,  or 
on  the  crest  of  the  bluffs  and  all  are  the  result  of  wind  deposition  although 
slope-wash  has  in  some  cases  modified  the  deposits. 

Two  types  of  sands  are  produced:  Type  II,  or  the  fine  yellow  silt, 
and  Type  1 1  lb  which  includes  both  the  red  slope-mantle  sands  and  the 
black  slope-wash  sands.  The  Type  II  sand  is  abundant  and  workable 
thicknesses  may  be  found  at  many  places  along  the  bluffs.  The  red  sands 
are  less  evident,  because  they  mantle  the  lower  slopes;  and,  because  of 
their  variability,  they  are  not  always  workable.  The  black  sands  are 
directly  derived  from  the  slope  mantle,  being  wash  from  gullies  which 
cut  the  lower  slopes.  Thorough  prospecting  must  be  done  in  order  to 
determine  the  value  of  a  deposit.  Gladstone,  Lomax,  and  Dallas  City 
are  shipping  points. 

GLADSTONE   DISTRICT 

Monmouth  Stone  Co.  pits 

The  deposit  of  the  Monmouth  Stone  Co.  is  located  near  the  center 
of  sec.  11,  T.  10  N.,  R.  5  W.,  13^  miles  northeast  of  Gladstone.  The  mold- 
ing sand  constitutes  a  part  of  the  overburden  of  a  limestone  quarry.  Both 
the  fine  yellow  silt  or  loess  and  the  red  slope-mantle  sands  are  present, 
and  in  addition  core  sand  may  be  obtained  in  some  places.     The  loess 


"Culver,  II.  E.,  Geology  and  mineral  resources  of  the  Morris  Quadrangle:    111.  State  Geol.  Survey  Bull. 
43,  p.  86,  1922. 


HANCOCK  AND  HENDERSON  COUNTIES 


113 


R.  5  W.  R4W. 


Molding  sand  deposit 
Fig.  42.— Map  of  molding  sand  deposits  of  Hancock  and  Henderson  counties. 


114  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

has  a  maximum  thickness  of  15  feet  and  is  calcareous  throughout.  The 
slope-mantle  sands  are  somewhat  variable  in  fineness.  Sample  No.  131 
(see  Table  30)  represents  the  pit  run  of  a  6-foot  section.  Sample  No. 
142  (figs.  34  and  36,  and  Table  30)  is  a  produced  grade  from  the  same  section, 
taken  from  the  bin  of  the  Gem  City  Stove  Co.,  Quincy.  The  samples 
are  quite  similar  in  fineness,  but  the  heavier  shows  more  clay,  a  higher 
optimum,  and  more  uniform  bond  strength,  combined  with  a  higher 
natural  permeability.  The  influence  of  silt  is  clearly  shown  in  the  lower 
base  permeability  of  the  heavier  sand.  Some  5,000  tons  are  available. 
Several  thousand  tons  of  core  sand  are  available  west  of  the  quarry. 

Graham  pit 

At  the  top  of  the  bluff,  }/i  mile  east  of  Gladstone,  a  16-foot  section  of 
loess  is  worked  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Graham.  Lime  concretions  are  plentiful 
near  the  base,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  section  is  calcareous.  Sample 
No.  128  (see  Table  30),  a  Type  II  sand,  is  representative  of  the  loess. 
Core  sand  is  produced  from  a  deposit  on  the  slope. 

Galbraith  pit 

A  fine  black  sand  is  dug  by  Mr.  J.  T.  Galbraith  from  a  slope-wash 
deposit  at  the  bluff  base  J^  mile  south  of  Gladstone.  A  pit  face  of  6  feet 
is  worked ;  the  fineness  varies  from  silt  to  sand  with  a  bond  of  black  clay. 
As  the  source  from  which  the  material  was  washed  was  the  bluff  deposits 
of  sands  and  silts,  the  fineness  is  variable  within  these  limits  and  a  Type 
lllb  sand  results.  Sample  No.  130  (see  Table  30)  is  pit  run  taken  from  a 
loaded  car.  It  is  probable  that  workable  sand  underlies  at  least  2  acres, 
2 J/2  miles  southwest  of  Gladstone. 

Near  the  center  of  sec.  20,  T.  10  N.,  R.  5  W.,  the  road  cuts  through 
a  low  terrace  dune  which  contains  1  to  3  feet  of  a  slightly  coarser  Type 
lllb  sand  (Sample  No.  132,  Table  30).  The  deposit  does  not  contain 
more  than  3,000  tons  and  it  is  doubtful  if  it  could  be  profitably  worked. 
There  is  a  possibility  that  other  similar  deposits  containing  this  type  of 
sand  may  be  present  on  the  broad  terrace. 

LOMAX   DISTRICT 

Camilla  Sand  Mines  Co. 

Half  a  mile  east  of  Lomax,  near  the  top  of  the  bluff,  is  a  9-foot  section 
of  loess  which  is  worked  by  the  Camilla  Sand  Mines  Co.  The  section  is 
calcareous  and  is  the  yellow  Type  II  sand  common  along  the  bluff  crests. 

DALLAS    CITY   DISTRICT 

Purity  Molding  Sand  Co.  pits 

Type  III  molding  sand  is  obtained  by  the  Purity  Molding  Sand  Co. 
on  the  slope  of  the  bluff  in  the  NW.  ]4  SW.  M  sec.  31,  T.  8  N.,  R.  6  W., 
Henderson  County,  2  miles  northeast  of  Dallas  City.  The  deposit  mantles 
the  slope,  the  coarser  and  heavier  sands  near  the  base  grading  upward 
into  a  finer,  more  open  type.    The  variation  between  the  coarsest  and  finest 


HENRY  COUNTY  115 

sand  is  not  great,  and  warrants  only  two  grades  based  on  fineness.  The 
quantity  of  the  red-clay  bond  present  in  each  grade  may  be  varied  con- 
siderably, hence  there  may  be  two  bond  grades  of  each  fineness  grade 
(Sample  No.  133,  No.  2  open,  and  Sample  No.  134,  No.  1  open,  Table 
30).  The  maintenance  of  these  grades  is  dependent  upon  the  judgment 
used  as  the  sand  is  dug.  A  combination  muller  and  car  loader  is  used. 
Nos.  86,  101,  and  176  (Table  30)  are  samples  taken  at  foundries.  The 
producer's  grade  number  was  not  ascertained.  It  will  readily  be  seen  that 
in  these  sands  the  percentage  of  clay  has  relatively  little  effect  upon  the 
bond  strength,  which  seems  largely  due  to  the  silt  in  both  silt  and  clay 
grades.  The  fact  that  the  percentage  of  silt  has  a  very  important  relation 
to  the  permeability  is  recognized  by  the  producer,  inasmuch  as  grades 
are  made  on  permeability,  for  the  bond  strength  is  usually  sufficient  for 
the  light  work  for  which  the  sand  is  used.  At  least  30,000  tons  are  avail- 
able and  prospecting  will  no  doubt  discover  more. 

Just  east  of  Dallas  City,  a  similar  deposit  of  red-bonded  sand,  smaller 
in  extent,  is  worked  by  this  company  (Sample  No.  137,  Table  30).  Loess 
banks,  from  which  two  grades  of  Type  II  sand  are  produced,  are  located 
just  east  of  the  loading  plant,  in  Dallas  City.  Sample  No.  149  (Table 
30)  is  of  this  type.    A  large  amount  of  loess  is  available. 

Other  deposits 

No  detailed  search  was  made  for  new  deposits,  but  it  was  apparent 
that  there  is  a  considerable  acreage  as  yet  undeveloped.  Much  of  this 
is  now  too  far  from  transportation  and  the  lack  of  uniformity  of  other 
deposits  precludes  their  use. 

It  is  possible  that  workable  molding  sand  may  be  found  along  the 
bluffs  near  Hamilton,  sec.  30,  T.  5  N.,  R.  8  W. 

Henry  County 

The  terraces  of  Green  River  contain  the  only  workable  molding  sand 
deposits  seen  in  Henry  County  (fig.  48).  Those  deposits  near  the  mouth 
of  Green  River  have  been  developed  to  a  considerable  extent,  but  farther 
east,  between  Green  River  and  Geneseo,  there  are  other  deposits  which 
should  furnish  quantities  of  excellent  molding  sand. 

The  molding  sand  now  produced  is  Type  I  and  Type  III  medium- 
textured  sand  with  a  red-clay  bond.  It  is  taken  from  wind  blown  deposits 
which  occur  on  the  terraces  and  from  slope  mantles  on  the  adjacent  slopes. 
The  lower  terrace,  at  some  points,  contains  a  finer  grade  of  sand  with  a 
yellow  clay  bond.  This  material  has  not  been  utilized  as  yet.  The  higher 
ground,  particularly  that  lying  between  Green  and  Rock  rivers,  is  mantled 
with  loess,  which  is  not  utilized,  as  this  type  of  material  occurs  in  more 
favorable  locations  nearer  markets. 

Oberlaender  pits  near  Colona 
The  molding  sand  pits  of  the  C.  E.  Oberlaender  Co.  are  located  on 
the  top  of  the  upper  terrace  \i  mile  north  of  Colona.     The  terrace  itself 
is  made  up  of  sharp  sand,  utilized  as  asphalt  sand,  which  is  of  remarkably 
uniform  texture  throughout  the  15-foot  section. 


116  MOLDING    SAND   RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

The  relative  fineness  of  the  molding  sand  in  the  deposit  is  variable 
between  well-defined  limits,  but  the  silt  and  clay  contents  are  extremely 
variable.  The  maintenance  of  uniform  grades  is  dependent  upon  the  skill 
of  the  producer,  as  some  mixing  must  be  done  at  all  times.  The  cars 
are  loaded  by  machine  loader  which  also  mulls  the  product.  Samples 
No.  77  and  No.  76  (Table  30)  were  taken  from  pit  faces,  and  Samples 
Nos.  83,  88,  and  89,  from  foundries.  All  five  are  Type  III  sands  in  which 
permeability  is  a  greater  variable  than  bond  strength.  It  is  impossible 
to  estimate  the  extent  of  this  deposit. 

Other  deposits  near  Colona 

An  intermediate  terrace  remnant  east  of  and  at  the  level  of  the  town 
of  Colona  may  contain  molding  sand.  On  the  lowest  terrace,  in  the  SW.  }/i 
sec.  11,  T.  17  N.,  R.  1  E.,  a  mile  south  of  Colona,  are  widespread  molding 
sand  deposits.  The  workable  material  is  in  low  dunes,  which  are  almost 
continuous  over  the  area.  The  thickness  of  the  workable  sand  varies 
from  1  to  3  feet.  In  some  parts  of  the  deposit  there  are  two  sands,  coarse 
and  fine,  one  above  the  other.  The  clay  content  is  ample  for  the  production 
of  several  bond  grades,  utilizing  the  sharp  iron-stained  sand  which  under- 
lies the  molding  sand.  Samples  Nos.  93,  94,  and  95  (Table  30)  are  represen- 
tative of  producible  grades.  The  amount  of  this  sand  available  on  the 
terraces  of  the  lower  part  of  Green  River  is  probably  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands of  tons. 

Terrace  dunes  near  Green  River  Station 

Formerly  a  pit  was  worked  in  the  SE.  }/i  sec.  7,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  E.,  half 
a  mile  southeast  of  Green  River.  The  bond  is  variable  in  the  4-foot  sec- 
tion exposed.  The  bonded  sand  is  in  bands  between  which  are  layers  of 
sharp  sand.  The  varying  thickness  of  these  layers  varies  the  proportions 
of  sharp  and  heavy  so  that  a  uniformly  bonded  product  would  be  difficult 
to  obtain.  Sample  No.  112  (Table  30)  represents  a  "50-50"  mixture  of 
sharp  and  heavy  sands.  It  is  a  Type  I  sand.  A  large  amount  of  this  type 
of  sand,  variously  bonded,  is  available,  not  only  at  this  location  but  at 
many  other  places  on  the  intermediate  terrace. 

Stream  terrace  east  of  Green  River  Station 

Four  miles  due  east  of  Green  River  in  the  SW.  x/±  sec.  10,  T.  17  N., 
R.  2  E.,  between  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad  and  the 
scarp  of  the  intermediate  terrace,  there  is  a  deposit  of  fine  sand  with  a 
lime-free  yellow  clay  and  silt  bond.  A  3-foot  thickness  was  found  in  several 
places  and  it  seems  probable  that  this  thickness  prevails.  Sample  No.  Ill 
(Table  30)  represents  the  total  section  in  one  exposure.  If  the  thickness 
is  uniform  there  are  about  200,000  tons  in  this  tract.  Undoubtedly  more 
may  be  found  in  the  same  vicinity.  This  sand  is  a  waterlaid  Type  II  sand, 
and,  if  not  too  strong,  may  prove  of  value  for  stove-plate  work.  It  is  quite 
probable  there  are  deposits  on  the  Green  River  terraces  to  the  northeast 
of  (ieneseo,  but  these  are  too  far  from  transportation  at  present  prices. 


JACKSON  COUNTY  117 

Jackson  County 

The  flood  plain  of  the  Mississippi  in  Jackson  County  is  not  a  favorable 
area  for  molding  sand,  as  the  alluvium  is  not  uniform  and  old  windblown 
deposits  are  absent.  Exceptional  conditions  are  responsible  for  the  only 
deposit  in  the  valley  proper  of  the  Mississippi  seen  between  St.  Louis  and 
Cairo. 

Deposit  at  Sand  Ridge 

The  channels  of  the  Big  Muddy  and  the  Mississippi  are  separated  by 
a  stream-terrace  remnant  on  which  the  surface  sand  is  being  shifted  by 
the  wind  into  ridges.  Beneath  this  shifting  layer  is  a  uniform  4-  to  6-foot 
thickness  of  molding  sand.  Auger  borings  disclosed  its  presence  in  several 
places,  but  there  was  some  difficulty  in  finding  an  exposed  section,  as  the 
terrace  edges  have  been  beveled  by  the  wind.  A  section  was  found  in  the 
Illinois  Central  Railroad  cut  in  the  northeast  edge  of  the  town  of  Sand 
Ridge,  SW.  M  NE.  \i  sec.  16,  T.  9  S.,  R.  3  W.  Sample  No.  182  (Table 
30)  was  taken  from  the  total  6-foot  section.  The  sand  is  Type  III,  and 
contains  a  few  pebbles,  is  a  waterlaid  deposit,  and  is  subject  to  both  hori- 
zontal and  vertical  variation.  Auger  borings  showed  it  to  be  fairly  uniform 
in  fineness.  The  extent  is  between  60,000  and  480,000  tons.  It  is  not  prob- 
able that  other  deposits  occur  in  the  county. 

Jo  Daviess  County 

Einsweiler  pits  near  Gears  Ferry 

F.  Einsweiler  and  Sons  are  the  only  producers  of  molding  sand  in 
Jo  Daviess  County,  with  pits  at  Gears  Ferry  and  at  Aiken.  The  Gears 
Ferry  pits  are  in  the  NE.  \i  NW.  M  sec.  35,  T.  28  N.,  R.  1  W.,  some  three 
hundred  yards  from  a  siding  on  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad,  at  the  top 
of  a  bluff  accessible  only  to  wagons.  The  pit  is  in  loess,  which  is  somewhat 
sandy  because  of  its  proximity  to  the  valley  from  which  a  part  of  the  material 
was  derived.  The  upper  2  feet  of  the  6-foot  thickness  is  used  as  fire  clay, 
and  the  lower  4  feet  is  uniform-textured,  fine,  yellow  sand  which  in  some 
parts  of  the  pit  is  so  heavy  that  it  is  used  as  fire  clay.  The  textural  range 
of  the  material  is  small  and  the  heaviness  restricts  its  use  as  a  greensand 
but  increases  its  value  as  a  bond  renewer.  At  least  15,000  tons  are  avail- 
able in  this  deposit  and  there  are  other  deposits  of  a  similar  nature  capping 
the  bluffs  to  the  north,  although  most  are  extremely  difficult  of  access. 

Einsweiler  pits  near  Aiken 

Other  pits  operated  by  F.  Einsweiler  and  Sons  are  located  }4  mile 
west  of  Aiken  on  the  south  side  of  the  Chicago  Great  Western  Railroad 
tracks.  A  thickness  of  3  to  43^  feet  is  worked,  the  lower  \y2  feet  of  which 
(Sample  No.  62,  Table  30)  is  of  medium  fineness  and  is  open.  The  upper 
3  feet  is  finer  and  heavier  and  constitutes  a  different  grade  (Sample  No. 
61,  Table  30).  Both  are  Type  III  sands  although  No.  62  is  very  nearly 
Type  I.  There  is  some  variability  in  fineness  and  the  land  is  partly  tim- 
bered, so  that  a  large  output  of  a  strictly  uniform  grade  is  not  practicable. 
Little  more  than  25,000  tons  are  available  although  the  terrace  extends 


118  MOLDING    SAND   RESOURCES   OF   ILLINOIS 

from  the  Chicago,  Great  Western  Railroad  bridge  over  Smallpox  Creek 
to  a  point  about  34  mile  west  of  Aiken  and  south  from  the  tracks  to  the 
creek. 

Other  deposits 

To  the  south  a  terrace  remnant  extends  along  the  Chicago,  Burlington 
and  Quincy  Railroad  from  the  Smallpox  Creek  bridge  to  the  limestone 
bluffs.  A  larger  remnant  about  34  mile  wide  lies  along  the  same  railroad, 
for  a  distance  of  3  miles  southwest  of  Blanding.  No  workable  sand  was 
seen  on  these  remnants  but  they  are  possible  areas. 

Loess  deposits  near  Rice  Station 

Extensive  deposits  of  loess  cap  the  ridge  at  the  cross  roads  in  the 
center  of  the  W.  Y2  sec.  23,  T.  27  N.,  R.  1  E.,  134  miles  south  of  Rice 
Station.  Because  of  its  lime-carbonate  content,  there  is  but  small  demand 
for  this  kind  of  Type  II  sand.  The  texture  is  remarkably  uniform,  and 
Sample  No.  63,  Table  30,  from  an  8-foot  section,  is  representative  of  the 
texture  and  bond.  There  are  more  than  a  million  tons  of  this  material 
within.  1J^  miles  of  the  station  and  the  thickness  of  5  to  15  feet  is  sufficient 
for  scraper  digging. 

Kane  County 

On  the  basis  of  the  occurrence  of  molding  sands,  Kane  County  (fig. 
43)  may  be  divided  into  three  parts. 

1.  The  terraces  and  valley-wall  slopes  of  Fox  River.  The  territory 
east  of  the  river  is  the  more  favorable. 

2.  The  northern  half  of  the  county,  exclusive  of  the  river  valley.  The 
deposits  are  exceedingly  variable  and  may  occur  far  from  transportation. 

3.  The  southern  half  of  the  county  exclusive  of  the  river  valley.  No 
workable  deposits  were  seen  in  this  area  and  their  occurrence  is  improbable. 

A  large  amount  of  sand  has  been  taken  out  and  such  development 
is  due,  not  only  to  abundant  resources  but  also  to  the  more  thorough 
prospecting  which  comes  from  the  presence  of  men  who  are  familiar  with 
sand.  The  sand  is  all  Type  1 1 16  because  of  the  high  silt  percentage  which 
was  undoubtedly  primarily  deposited.  A  part  of  the  clay  bond  is  also 
primarily  deposited,  but  much  of  it  is  due  to  weathering. 

Stewall  farm  and  associated  deposits  south  of  Algonquin 

Adjacent  to  the  north  line  of  the  county,  a  terrace  deposit  extends 
from  the  SW.  cor.  sec.  3,  T.  42  N.,  R.  8  E.,  to  Algonquin  in  McHenry 
County.  The  deposit  is  variable  and  the  coarser,  more  open  sand  is  con- 
tained in  the  low  broad  swells.  The  pit  of  the  Garden  City  Sand  Co. 
(see  McHenry  County  description)  is  in  the  northward  extension  of  this 
deposit.  Sand  was  formerly  taken  from  the  farm  in  the  W.  3^2  NE.  34  sec- 
3,  T.  42  N.,  R.  8  E.,  now  owned  by  Mr.  B.  B.  Stewall,  but  this  part  of  the 
deposit  is  considered  to  be  worked  out. 

Vogel  pits,  near  Carp  enter  sville 

In  the  SW.  34  NE.  \i  sec.  15,  T.  42  N.,  R.  8  E.,  a  deposit  of  sand  is 
worked  by  Mr.  Frank  Vogel.     The  deposit  is  variable  to  some  degree  but 


KANE  COUNTY  119 

as  several  wagon  pits  have  been  opened  a  nearly  uniform  product  is  pos- 
sible. Sample  No.  8  (Table  30)  is  a  mixture  taken  from  several  pits.  Pos- 
sibly 13,000  tons  are  available  but  the  presence  of  trees  makes  the  working 
of  a  part  difficult. 

A  mile  west  of  Carpentersville  on  the  property  of  E.  H.  Moore  in  the 
SW.  M  sec-  16,  T.  42  N.,  R.  8  E.,  a  deposit  of  sand  is  worked  by  Frank 
Vogel.  The  sand  lies  along  a  ridge  and  while  its  texture  and  bond  are 
exceedingly  variable,  small  areas  of  the  sand  are  workable.  About  8,000 
tons  are  available  adjacent  to  the  present  pits  and  exposures  of  workable 
sand  in  roadcuts  indicate  that  probably  still  more  sand  is  available  in 
the  mile  to  the  west.  The  production  of  a  uniform  grade  year  after  year 
from  such  a  deposit  is  difficult.  Sample  No.  7  (Table  30)  was  taken  from 
a  partly  loaded  car. 

Richardson  farm  and  vicinity  near  Dundee 

A  patchy  deposit  which  lies  at  the  brink  of  the  slope  of  the  valley 
wall  extends  from  the  east  part  of  Dundee  almost  to  the  south  line  of  sec. 
26,  T.  42  N.,  R.  8  E..  It  is  best  developed  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  J.  H.  Richard- 
son, near  the  north  line  of  the  section,  where  a  7-foot  thickness  is  present. 
The  variability  in  texture,  both  horizontal  and  vertical,  would  make  de- 
velopment difficult. 

Deposit  west  of  Elgin 

Sand  was  formerly  taken  from  sec.  15,  T.  41  N.,  R.  8  E.,  in  the  west 
edge  of  Elgin  and  at  least  one  small  tract  was  completely  worked  out. 
Growth  of  the  town  makes  further  development  impossible. 

Van  Wicklin  pits  south  of  Elgin 

A  deposit  of  molding  sand  in  sec.  1,  T.  40  N.,  R.  8  E.,  underlain  by 
gravel,  coats  the  slope  of  the  east  valley  wall  of  Fox  River.  Near  the  east 
edge  of  the  deposit  are  the  pits  of  J.  G.  Van  Wicklin.  The  thickness 
varies  from  3  to  5  feet,  which  is  divided  into  two  rather  distinct  layers, 
the  lower  being  the  heavier.  These  are  loaded  as  separate  grades  and  a 
considerable  mixing  range  is  possible.  Sample  No.  2,  Table  30,  was  taken 
from  a  partly  loaded  car  and  represents  the  pit  run  of  the  finer  grade. 
Sample  No.  38  (Table  30)  from  the  International  Harvester  Co.,  Chicago, 
is  a  coarser,  more  open  grade.  The  sand  is  hand-shoveled  into  wagons  and 
loaded  on  a  spur  of  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad,  which  is  on 
the  property.  During  the  18  years  prior  to  1923,  some  60  acres  have  been 
worked  out  by  this  company.  At  least  60,000  tons  are  yet  available.  No 
more  workable  sand  was  apparent  between  the  Van  Wicklin  deposit  and  the 
north  edge  of  Aurora. 

Sperry  Co.  pits  near  North  Aurora 

The  Sperry  Co.  of  North  Aurora  digs  sand  for  use  in  their  own  foundry 
from  pits  a  mile  north  of  North  Aurora  between  the  road  and  the  river. 
The  sand  is  relatively  fine  and  occurs  in  a  2-to  3-foot  thickness.  Sample 
No.  6  (Table  30)  was  taken  from  the  foundry  bin. 


120 


MOLDING   SAND    RESOURCES   OF   ILLINOIS 

~    7E.  R8E, 


Molding  sand  deposit 

Fig.  43. — Map  showing  molding  sand  deposits  of  McHenry,  Kane,  Cook,  Kendall,  Grundy. 

and  Will  counties. 


KENDALL  COUNTY  121 

Peter  Hettinger  pits  near  North  Aurora 

Three-quarters  of  a  mile  south  of  North  Aurora  the  terrace  deposit 
is  4J/2  feet  thick  as  exposed  in  the  pit  of  Mr.  Peter  Hettinger.  The  thick- 
ness varies  and  probably  no  more  than  10,000  tons  are  available.  Sample 
No.  5  (Table  30)  is  representative  of  the  average  total  section  exposed  in 
the  pit.  A  few  pebbles  are  present.  Gravel  lies  at  the  surface  of  the  ad- 
jacent east  slope.  Farther  up  the  slope  and  on  the  rolling  upland  adjacent 
are  sand  deposits  which  have  been  worked  in  the  past  and  which  still  con- 
tain some  molding  sand,  although  it  is  impossible  to  estimate  the  extent 
without  detailed  work. 

Daniels  pit  near  Aurora 

South  of  Aurora,  in  the  northwest  angle  between  the  Aurora,  Plainfield 
and  Joliet  Electric  Railroad  and  the  Montgomery  road,  in  sec.  4,  T.  37 
N.,  R.  8  E.,  is  a  pit  which  was  formerly  worked  by  Mr.  John  Daniels.  The 
sand  was  dug  by  scrapers  and  dumped  through  a  trap  into  cars.  There 
are  possibly  25,000  tons  of  molding  sand  available  in  the  vicinity. 

Deposit  near  Lily  Lake  Station 

North  of  Lily  Lake  Station  is  a  widespread  layer  which  does  not  ex- 
ceed \]/2  feet  in  thickness.  Sand  is  present  in  the  roadcuts  in  sees.  5,  6, 
and  7,  T.  40  N.,  R.  7  E.,  and  in  sees.  31  and  32,  T.  41  N.,  R.  7  E.  It  is 
doubtful  if  this  particular  deposit  is  of  commercial  value  but  it  is  an  indica- 
tion that  the  area  is  favorable. 

Kendall  County 

The  terraces  and  valley  wall  slopes  of  Fox  River  in  Kendall  County 
(fig.  43)  comprise  favorable  areas  for  natural-bonded  molding  sand.  There 
is  some  possibility  of  surface  deposits  of  molding  sand  on  the  uplands, 
especially  in  localities  underlain  by  gravel.  The  southwest  half  of  the 
county  is  not  favorable,  and  shipping  points,  except  on  the  electric  lines, 
are  far  distant. 

Deposits  south  of  Piano 

The  only  evidences  seen  of  workable  deposits  of  natural-bonded  mold- 
ing sand  were  in  sec.  34,  T.  37  N.,  R.  6  E.,  1%  miles  south  of  Piano.  The 
ridges  on  both  sides  of  the  road  are  very  sandy  and  in  places  the  2  or  3  feet 
just  beneath  the  soil  contain  bond.  Sample  No.  19  (Table  30),  taken  on 
the  east  side  of  the  road,  is  a  composite  of  the  heaviest  exposure  seen. 
The  sand  is  of  Type  I  and  might  well  be  utilized,  even  though  the  clay 
content  of  produced  grades  would  necessarily  be  lower  than  that  of  Sample 
No.  19.  It  was  reported  that  molding  sand  has  been  produced  from  this 
vicinity  although  the  exact  locations  were  not  found.  It  is  impossible  to 
estimate  the  amount  available  as  the  bonded  sand  occurs  in  patches,  the 
number  and  limits  of  which  would  have  to  be  determined  before  develop- 
ment could  take  place. 

A  small  patch  of  molding  sand  of  the  same  type  was  seen  at  the  branch- 
ing of  the  road  in  sec.  4,  T.  36  N.,  R.  6  E.,  2  miles  northwest  of  Millbrook. 


122  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

Core  sand  near  Millington  and  Piano 

Core  sand  is  produced  at  the  Ballou  White  Sand  Company's  pit  near 
Millington  in  this  SW.34  sec-  19,  T.36  N,  R.6  E.  The  silica  sand  is  pumped 
from  the  pit  and  washed.  Much  of  their  product  is  sand-blast  sand  which 
is  graded  by  a  pneumatic  size  separator.  Core  sand  is  also  available  from 
the  sand  layers  which  occur  in  gravel  pits,  as  in  the  pit  of  the  Piano  Ce- 
ment Products  Co.,  in  the  northeast  part  of  Piano. 

Lake  County 

No  deposits  of  natural-bonded  molding  sand  of  sufficient  extent  to  be 
commercially  valuable  were  seen  in  Lake  County.  The  valley  and  lower 
slopes  of  the  valley  walls  of  Fox  River  are  likely  to  contain  stream-terrace 
and  slope-mouth  deposits  which  are  workable.  The  west  half  of  the  county 
may  contain  deposits  of  small  extent  but  their  value  is  doubtful.  Due  to 
the  short  distance  to  Chicago,  a  deposit  of  no  more  than  10,000  tons,  located 
near  a  shipping  point,  might  be  developed  profitably. 

Core  sand 

The  dunes  along  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan  from  Waukegan  to  the 
State  Line  are  suitable  for  core  sand  and  doubtless  are  being  utilized  locally. 
Extensive  development  is  not  probable  in  view  of  the  large  and  more 
accessible  deposits  at  the  south  end  of  Lake  Michigan. 

La  Salle  County 

Silica  sand 

La  Salle  County  (fig.  44)  furnishes  more  than  half  the  foundry  sand 
produced  in  Illinois.  The  total  production  is  obtained  from  a  single  forma- 
tion, the  St.  Peter  sandstone1,  which  forms  the  bluffs  and  underlies  the 
terrace  of  Illinois  River  valley  for  more  than  10  miles  west  of  Ottawa.  It 
is  also  exposed  in  the  valley  of  Fox  River.  Easily  accessible  to  rail  and 
water  transportation,  this  sandstone  has  been  extensively  developed 
because  of  its  purity  and  friability.  Production  may  be  divided  into  two 
classes,  pit-run  sands  and  washed  sands. 


Washed  silica 

For  the  production  of  pure  silica  sand  for  the  glass  industry  special 
washing  and  sizing  equipment  has  been  developed.  Core  sand  represents 
only  a  small  fraction  of  the  output  but,  due  to  use  of  methods  developed 
primarily  for  other  products,  the  purity  and  sizing  far  excel  that  which 
would  be  possible  were  core  sand  the  only  product.  The  cost  of  such  sand 
is  necessarily  relatively  high. 

Pit-run  silica  sands 

The  production  of  pit-run  sands  is  largely  consumed  by  steel  foundries, 
where  it  is  used  as  the  grain  to  which  fire  clay  is  added  as  bond.     The 


'Cady,  G.  H.,  Geology  and  mineral  resources  of  the  Hennepin  and  La  Salle  quadrangles:     111.  State 
Geol.  Survey  Hull.  37,  1919. 


LA  SALLE  COUNTY 


123 


6 


6  Miles 


Area  producing  silica  sand 
Fig.  44. — Map  of  La  Salle  County,  showing  area  of  silica-sand  production. 


124  MOLDING   SAND    RESOURCES    OF   ILLINOIS 

refractoriness,  uniformity  of  grain  size,  spherical  shape  of  grain,  and 
friability  of  the  pit-run  sand,  make  it  a  suitable  sand  for  use  in  steel  found- 
ing. The  presence  of  iron-stained  grains  is  of  additional  advantage  as  the 
bond  strength  is  thus  increased. 

Pit-run  sand  is  commonly  used  as  core  sand.  It  is  said  that  some  pit- 
run  sand  from  near  the  top  of  the  section  contains  ample  bond  for  gray-iron 
molding.  None  of  this  bonded  sand  was  seen  in  sufficient  quantity  or 
suitable  location  for  production.  Sample  No.  126  (Table  30)  is  a  silica 
sand  as  dug.  The  tests  show  it  to  be  of  no  value  as  a  greensand.  It  might 
be  suitable  for  some  work  if  used  in  dry  sand  molds.  It  should  be  of  value 
as  a  core  sand. 

Synthetic  molding  sand  for  low  refractory  use 

The  question  of  synthetic  molding  sand  is  a  recurrent  one  in  the  foun- 
dry industry.  The  St.  Peter  sand  might  well  be  used  as  the  grain  for  a 
milled  mixture  of  sand  and  clay.  The  difficulties  of  mixing  are  such  that 
it  is  improbable  that  such  a  product  could  compete  with  the  present  produc- 
tion of  natural  bond  sands. 

Generalized  geologic  section  of  the  St.  Peter 

As  the  geology  and  stratigraphy  of  the  district  are  to  be  discussed  in 
another  publication1  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  go  into  them  here..  In  general 
the  thickness  of  the  worked  section  of  the  St.  Peter  is  recognized  to  consist 
of  three  general  zones:  (1)  The  deeper  sands  such  as  are  worked  below  the 
terrace  level.    These  are  purer  and  coarser  than  the  rest  of  the  St.  Peter. 

(2)  A  zone  of  finer  friable  sand  distinguished  by  the  presence  of  magnesium. 

(3)  A  harder  zone,  coarser  in  texture,  iron-stained,  and  containing  iron- 
stained  grains  near  the  top  of  the  section. 

The  washed  sands  commonly  come  from  the  upper  and  the  lower  beds 
and  the  pit-run  sands  from  sections  containing  varying  proportions  of 
(1),  (2),  and  (3).  The  texture  of  (2)  and  (3)  differs  considerably;  a  mixture 
of  the  two  is  texturally  less  suitable  for  steel  sand  than  is  (3)  alone,  as  the 
finer  grains  from  (2)  tend  to  close  up  the  sand,  making  it  less  permeable. 

Production  of  pit-run  silica  sand 

The  production  between  Utica  and  the  concrete  highway  bridge  is 
largely  pit-run  sand  taken  from  quarry  faces  in  the  total  available  section. 
One  company,  The  Higbee  Canyon  Sand  Co.,  operates  a  quarry  face  in 
each  zone.  The  Benson  Brothers  Sand  Co.,  Ottawa  Steel  Molding  Sand 
Co.,  Commonwealth  Silica  Co.,  Illinois  Valley  Silica  Co.,  American  Silica 
Sand  Co.,  and  Utica  Fire  Sand  Co.,  are  other  companies  which  produce 
pit-run  sand  for  steel  and  core  work.  All  load  directly  into  cars  with  wheel- 
barrow, steam  shovel,  or  cable  skip.  The  thickness  of  overburden,  thick- 
ness of  section,  and  manner  of  working  are  the  factors  which  determine  the 
price;  for  the  quality,  except  for  impurities  due  to  carelessness  of  working, 
is  much  the  same  in  all  pits  where  the  available  face  is  worked  as  a  unit. 


'Currier,  L.  W.,  Geology  and  mineral  resources  of  the  Ottawa-Marseilles  quadrangles.     Manuscript  in 
course  of  preparation. 


LAWRENCE  COUNTY  125 

The  permeability  of  the  steel  sand  would  be  greater  if  textural  zones 
were  worked  as  units,  as  there  is  much  less  textural  variation  within  a  zone 
than  in  a  mixture  of  two  zones.  Such  procedure  is  not  economically  possible 
in  pits  with  a  vertical  face  as  the  whole  face  must  come  down.  Where 
slopes  are  more  gentle,  each  zone  may  be  worked  as  a  separate  pit. 

Unless  the  most  desirable  sand  lies  on  top,  the  uppermost  stratum  may 
have  to  be  removed  as  well  as  the  overburden.  If  the  top  stratum  is  de- 
sirable but  thin,  excessive  overburden  may  not  permit  its  development  as 
a  unit. 

Production  of  washed  silica  sand 

The  plants  which  wash  and  grade  the  pit-run  sands,  pump  from  a 
sump  in  the  pit.  Foundry  sands  are  only  a  small  part  of  their  total  pro- 
duction. The  Ottawa  Silica  Co.,  U.  S.  Silica  Co.,  Crescent  Silica  Co., 
Bellrose  Standard  Silica  Co.,  Wedron  Silica  Co.,  and  E.  J.  Reynolds  Silica 
Co.  all  operate  washing  and  grading  plants. 

Silica  sand  resources 

The  resources  of  silica  sand  are  very  much  larger  than  the  resources 
of  natural-bonded  molding  sand.  At  least  20  million  tons  are  available 
for  production  in  the  Ottawa  district.  As  development  proceeds  the  most 
available  parts  of  the  deposit  will  be  worked  out  and  the  increase  in  operat- 
ing cost  will  allow  only  large-scale  production. 

Natural-bonded  molding  sand  resources 

Natural-bonded  sand  is  not  plentiful  in  La  Salle  County.  The  lower 
courses  of  the  creeks  tributary  to  Fox  River  are  the  most  favorable  areas. 
One  such  deposit  in  the  SE.J4  SE.J^  sec.  4,  T.34  N.,  R.  4E.,  a  mile  north- 
east of  Wedron,  was  once  worked.  A  4-foot  section  with  scant  bond  was 
seen  at  several  points.  As  most  of  the  grains  are  of  silica  sand  and  are  to 
some  degree  coated  with  limonite,  such  a  sand  might  be  of  some  value  for 
foundry  mixing.  Some  silt  is  present  in  very  thin  layers  and  it  is  quite 
probable  that  the  sand  is  Type  III  material. 

Lawrence  County 

The  extensive  terrace  of  Wabash  River  (fig.  49A)  does  not  itself  con- 
tain molding  sand,  but  old  dunes  and  slope  mantles  composed  of  wind- 
blown sand  derived  from  the  terrace  sands  and  lying  on  the  terrace,  do  in- 
clude molding  sand.  Such  deposits  are  not  always  topographically  evident. 
Low  swells  on  the  flat  terrace  and  west-facing  slopes  of  hills  are  the  most 
favorable  locations  in  Lawrence  County  for  the  occurrence  of  molding  sand. 
Isolated  dunes  commonly  contain  Type  I  sand,  and  slope  mantles  Type 
III  sand. 

Terrace-dune  deposit  east  of  Lawrenceville 

A  3-foot  section  of  molding  sand  is  exposed  in  a  cut  of  the  Baltimore 
and  Ohio  Railroad,  V/i  miles  east  of  Lawrenceville,  in  the  NW.M  SW.34 
sec.  3,  T.3  N.,  R.ll  W.  Sample  No.  195  (Table  30)  is  representative  of  the 
section.  It  is  an  excellent  Type  I  sand.  Between  30,000  and  120,000  tons, 
are  available.     The  vicinity  is  favorable  for  other  deposits. 


126  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF   ILLINOIS 

Slope-mantle  deposit  north  of  Lawrenceville 

A  3-foot  section  of  molding  sand  was  seen  in  a  road  out  in  the  SW.  34 
SW.  34  sec-  17,  T.  4  N.,  R.  11  W.  The  deposit  is  a  slope  mantle  and  is 
probably  small  in  extent.  Such  a  sand  is  liable  to  considerable  horizontal 
and  vertical  variation.     The  deposit  is  2  miles  from  a  shipping  point. 

Lee  County 

In  spite  of  the  fact  that  Lee  county  is  traversed  from  northeast  to 
southwest  by  a  belt  of  sand,  it  is  not  a  favorable  territory  for  molding  sand. 
The  greater  part  of  the  sand  has  been  and  is  being  shifted  by  the  wind,  a 
condition  which  makes  the  formation  of  natural-bonded  molding  sands 
impossible. 

Any  workable  deposits  found  will  of  necessity  be  of  very  fine  sand  or 
silt  as  these  allow  the  formation  of  a  soil  and  the  subsequent  formation  of 
bond. 

Such  a  deposit  was  seen  just  north  of  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern 
Railroad,  on  the  line  between  sec.  24,  T.  22  N.,  R.  11  E.  and  sec.  6,  T.  39  N., 
R.  1  E.,  33^2  miles  northeast  of  Ash  ton.  A  2-foot  thickness  is  present  and 
apparently  about  20,000  tons  are  available. 

The  terraces  of  Rock  River  are  of  gravel  and  the  presence  of  molding 
sand  is  hardly  to  be  expected. 

McHenry  County 

The  only  deposit  of  molding  sand  being  worked  in  McHenry  County 
(fig.  43)  is  located  on  the  terrace  on  the  east  bank  of  Fox  River.  This  is 
the  northward  extension  of  the  Kane  County  deposit  already  described 
(see  Kane  County  Report). 

Garden  City  Sand  Co.  pit  near  Algonquin 

The  pit  of  the  Garden  City  Sand  Co.  is  on  the  property  of  Mr.  H.  F. 
Dierck,  in  the  E.  y2  SW.  34  sec.  34,  T.  43  N.,  R.  8  E.,  a  mile  south  of  the 
town  of  Algonquin.  A  4-foot  face,  lying  on  coarse  gravel,  is  worked,  and 
the  pit  run  constitutes  the  grade  sold.  Like  the  Kane  County  sands,  this 
sand  is  Type  III.  Some  lateral  variation  in  bond  is  present  but  in  the 
production  of  a  grade,  this  is  not  a  serious  disadvantage.  Sample  No.  9 
(fig.  35 A  and  Table  30)  was  taken  from  a  partly  loaded  car  and  represents 
the  total  section. 

Friend  deposit  near  McHenry 

On  the  farm  of  Mr.  S.  H.  Friend  in  the  SE.  34  NE.  34  sec.  26,  T.  45  N., 
R.  8  E.,  half  a  mile  northeast  of  the  town  of  McHertry,  there  is  a  deposit 
of  sand  covering  at  least  two  acres  which,  though  not  of  the  best  quality, 
might  be  utilized  if  properly  dug.  The  upper  foot  is  very  heavy  and  might 
be  mixed  with  the  sharp  sand  which  lies  below.  Though  not  especially 
valuable  in  itself,  this  deposit  is  indicative  that  the  terraces  and  slopes  of 
the  Fox  River  valley  are  well  worth  careful  prospecting. 


MADISON  COUNTY  127 

Consumer s  Gravel  Co.  property  near  Crystal  Lake 

A  molding  sand  deposit  on  the  property  of  the  Consumer's  Gravel  Co., 
near  the  center  of  sec.  16,  T.43  N.,  R.8  E.,  3  miles  south  of  the  town  of 
North  Crystal  Lake,  is  not  worked  but  the  molding  sand  is  discarded  as  part 
of  the  strippings  on  the  east  side  of  the  gravel  pit.  There  is  considerable 
lateral  and  vertical  variation  of  texture  and  bond.  Sample  No.  21  (Table 
30)  comes  from  several  channels  in  the  3-  to  4-foot  section  of  sand  exposed 
at  the  south  end  of  the  east  wall  of  the  pit,  and  Sample  No.  22,  from  sev- 
eral channels  north  of  the  middle.  Both  are  Type  III  sands  and  will  be 
somewhat  variable  in  fineness  and  bond  strength.  The  deposit  probably 
covers  20  acres  east  of  the  exposure,  although  there  is  likely  to  be  much 
variation  in  texture  and  bond.  Low,  broad  knolls  on  the  flat  plain  which 
extends  from  north  of  Crystal  Lake  to  the  valley  at  Algonquin  may  contain 
molding  sands. 

Western  two-thirds  of  McHenry  County 

No  evidences  of  workable  deposits  were  seen  in  the  western  two-thirds 
of  McHenry  County  and   their  occurrence  there  is  improbable. 

Madison  County 

The  major  part  of  the  molding  sand  resources  of  Madison  County  is 
contained  in  the  deposits  mantling  the  bluffs  of  the  Mississippi.  The 
terraces  on  the  valley  flat  have  been  worked,  but  the  total  amount  of  mold- 
ing sand  available  from  them  is  small. 

All  the  molding  sand  now  produced  is  of  Type  III,  fine  in  texture,  and 
suitable  for  small  and  medium  castings.  It  is  not  probable  that  coarser 
molding  sands  will  be  found.  The  deposits  which  mantle  the  bluffs  (fig. 
22), being  a  combination  of  windblown  sand  and  silt  and  rainwashed  sand, 
silt,  and  clay,  are  coarser  near  the  base  of  the  bluff  and  finest  at  the  crest. 
Other  variations  along  the  hillside  are  dependent  upon  the  steepness  and 
direction  of  the  slope.  As  a  pit  face  is  worked  up  the  hill  or  along  the 
slope,  the  fineness  changes  very  gradually.  The  production  of  many 
grades  cannot  be  maintained,  especially  if  the  grade  distinction  is  made  on 
pit  location  rather  than  on  texture. 

Molding  sand  is  no  doubt  present  along  the  bluff,  in  many  places  acces- 
sible to  transportation.  The  loess,  or  Type  II  sand,  is  present  in  abundance 
and  caps  the  bluff  for  many  miles  (fig.  21). 

Core  sand  is  abundant  and  may  be  taken  from  the  lower  part  of  the 
dunes  or  from  the  deposits  of  sharp  sand  in  the  bluffs. 

Commercial  Foundry  Sand  Co.  pits  near  Collinsville 

The  Commercial  Foundry  Sand  Co.  operates  pits  located  on  the  bluff 
slope  in  the  NW.  }£  SW.  M  sec.  29,  T.  3  N.,  R.  8  W.,  \l/2  miles  northwest 
of  Collinsville.  Several  faces  have  been  opened,  all  furnishing  relatively 
fine  molding  sand.  No.  175  is  a  sample  of  the  coarsest  sand  present.  The 
pits  in  the  lower  part  of  the  slope  contain  a  3-  to  6-foot  thickness  of  sand 
with  reduced  bond,  a  part  of  this  thickness  being  free  from  lime.    Sample  No. 


128  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

172  (Table  30)  is  the  leached  portion,  while  No.  173  is  unleached,  contain- 
ing lime  carbonate.  The  textural  range  is  small  and  the  bond  uniformly 
strong  as  considerable  clay  substance  is  present  in  addition  to  the  silt.  At 
least  20,000  tons  are  available  on  the  property.  Fine  yellow  silt  or  loess, 
containing  lime,  is  present  near  the  top  of  the  slope.  Its  value  as  a  molding 
sand  is  dependent  upon  local  demand. 

Friesen  Molding  Sand  Co.  pits  near  Collinsville 

Half  a  mile  north  of  the  pits  of  the  Commercial  Foundry  Sand  Co., 
the  Friesen  Molding  Sand  Co.  has  opened  several  pits  in  the  sands  which 
mantle  the  slope.  As  in  the  Commercial  Foundry  Sand  Co.  pits  described 
above,  the  coarser  sands  lie  near  the  base  of  the  loess-capped  slope.  No 
large  amounts  of  sand  are  available  on  this  property. 

Other  deposits 

An  abandoned  pit  was  seen  in  the  loess  which  caps  the  bluff  just  north 
of  the  Troy  and  Eastern  Railroad  in  the  SW.M  sec.  26,  T.  3  N.,  R.  8  W. 
Another  abandoned  pit  lies  just  to  the  east  in  the  creek  flat.  The  exposed 
sand  contains  much  humus  and  is  not  well  sorted. 

A  large  dune  north  of  the  mouth  of  the  small  valley  which  cuts  the 
bluff  at  Peters  may  contain  molding  sand,  although  several  auger  borings 
showed  only  sharp  sand. 

Core  sand  is  produced  for  the  Ed.  B.  Squier  Co.  from  a  deposit  just 
east  of  the  station  at  East  Alton.  This  formerly  contained  a  4-foot  layer 
of  molding  sand  which  has  been  worked  out  on  this  property.  The  molding 
sand  is  no  doubt  continuous  for  some  distance,  but  building  development 
prohibits  further  working.  Many  auger  borings  in  accessible  locations  on 
this  terrace  level  showed  only  sharp  sand  to  a  depth  of  6  feet.  No  workable 
thickness  was  found  even  below  that  depth.  It  seems  probable  that  worka- 
ble thicknesses  of  molding  sand  are  present  under  the  sharp  sand  but  that 
they  are  very  local  in  extent  and  that  their  discovery  is  largely  a  matter  of 
chance.  Hollows  are  the  most  favorable  areas  because  a  part  of  the  sharp 
sand  has  been  removed  by  wind. 

Marshall  County 

The  most  favorable  areas  for  molding  sand  in  Marshall  County  are 
the  terraces  of  Illinois  River  and  the  slope  of  the  east  valley  wall. 

Peter  Hank  deposit  near  Henry 

Deposits  along  the  east  valley  wall  of  the  Illinois  are,  in  general,  fine 
in  texture  and  of  slight  extent.  Such  a  deposit  was  sampled  (Sample 
No.  127,  Table  30)  on  the  property  of  Mr.  Peter  Hank,  sec.  4,  T.  30  N., 
R.  2  W.,  a  mile  east  of  Henry.  The  thickness  of  10  feet  was  continuous 
over  a  quarter  of  an  acre.  Such  small  deposits,  when  thick  and  of  good 
quality,  should  be  well  worth  working.  It  is  quite  probable  that  other 
deposits  are  present  at  the  base  and  on  the  slopes  of  the  bluffs. 


MARSHALL  COUNTY 


129 


R.  1  1   E. 


R.  1  E. 


R.  8E. 


•    Molding  sand  deposit 


6  Miles 


Fig.  45. — Map  showing  molding  sand  deposit  of  Ogle  and  Winnebago  counties. 


130  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Other  deposits 

West  of  the  river,  3^  miles  southwest  of  Henry,  there  is  exposed  on 
the  line  between  sees.  24  and  25,  T.  13  N.,  R.  9  E.,  a  very  coarse-textured 
sand  which  is  suitable  for  use,  and  could  be  profitably  produced  if  obtainable 
in  sufficient  quantities.  The  thickness  is  exceedingly  variable  and  the 
fineness  varies  within  short  distances.  This  is  the  type  of  sand  to  be  ex- 
pected on  the  higher  ground  of  the  terrace  on  the  west  side  of  the  river. 
Its  presence  is  sometimes  revealed  by  low  broad  swells. 

Prospecting  of  the  areas  near  transportation  might  reveal  deposits 
of  the  Buda-Wyanet  type  (See  Bureau  County  report)  on  the  uplands 
west  of  the  river. 

The  eastern  half  of  the  county  is  not  favorable  for  molding  sand. 

Ogle  County 

The  valley  and  bluffs  of  Rock  River,  the  terraces  near  the  mouth  of 
Kyte  River  southeast  of  Oregon,  and  the  sandy  plain  in  the  vicinity  of 
Flagg  Center  are  the  only  areas  in  Ogle  County  (fig.  45)  favorable  for 
natural-bonded  molding  sands.  St.  Peter  silica  sand  outcrops  in  the 
vicinity  of  Oregon. 

Deposits  near  Byron 

At  the  south  bluff  of  Rock  River  in  the  NE.  J£  NE.  \i  sec.  5,  T.  24 
N.,  R.  11  E.,  a  mile  east  of  Byron,  2  to  3  feet  of  an  open  Type  I  sand  (Sample 
No.  54,  Table  30)  is  exposed  in  a  road  cut.  The  sand  does  not  have  enough 
bond  for  use  as  greensand,  but  if  mixed  with  a  small  amount  of  fire  clay, 
it  might  prove  of  value.  This  locality  is  well  worth  careful  prospecting 
for  Type  I  sands.  Half  a  mile  west  of  Byron  and  at  several  points  along 
the  Blackhawk  trail  within  5  miles  south  of  Byron,  there  are  evidences  of 
molding  sand  in  the  road  cuts,  but  it  is  doubtful  if  any  workable  deposits 
are  present. 

Deposit  south  of  Oregon 

Five  miles  south  of  Oregon,  in  the  W.  Y2  sec.  31,  T.  23  N.,  R.  10  E., 
along  the  Blackhawk  Trail,  a  knoll  of  sand  some  ten  acres  in  extent  contains 
a  3-foot  thickness  of  sand  (Sample  No.  57,  see  fig.  29  and  Table  30) ,  overlain 
by  2  feet  of  sandy  soil.  In  all  physical  properties  it  is  an  ideal  Type  I  sand. 
It  is  for  the  most  part  derived  from  the  white  silica  sand  which  outcrops 
near  by  and  hence  should  be  very  refractory.  The  haul  of  five  miles  to 
Oregon,  the  nearest  shipping  point,  is  a  serious  drawback  to  development. 

Deposit  near  Honey  Creek  Station 

Adjacent  to  the  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  right  of  way  just 
northeast  of  Honey  Creek  Station,  a  deposit  of  sand  lies  on  the  terrace  flat 
and  extends  up  the  slopes  to  the  road  which  crosses  the  center  of  sec.  7, 
T.23  N.,  R.l  1  W.  Sample  No.  55  (Table  30)  was  taken  from  a  3-foot  thick- 
ness discovered  by  the  auger  in  the  northwest  corner  of  the  SW.  ]/i  SW.  l/i 
sec.  7.    The  test  shows  a  Type  III  sand.     Uniformity  could  not  be  expected 


OGLE  COUNTY 


131 


R.  7E. 


R.  8  E.     R.  4  W.  R.  3  W. 


Molding  sand  deposit 


Fig.  46. — Map  showing  molding  sand  deposits 
of  Peoria  and  Tazewell  counties. 


132  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF   ILLINOIS 

in  this  deposit.     The  deposits  have  an  extent  of  60,000  tons  and  possibly 
two   or   three    times   that   amount. 

Deposits  near  Flagg  Center 

The  value  of  the  sand  at  and  south  of  Flagg  Center  is  doubtful  as  the 
texture  and  bond  are  extremely  variable.  The  best  deposits  of  the  area  lie 
along  the  east  spur  road  between  sees.  16  and  21,  T.  40  N.,  R.  1  E.,  half  a 
mile  south  of  Flagg  Center.  It  is  doubtful  if  a  commercial  pit  could  be 
developed,  as  the  production  of  a  uniform  grade  would  be  difficult. 

Silica  sand 

The  silica  sand  which  outcrops  around  and  south  of  Oregon  has  been 
developed  by  the  National  Silica  Co.,  whose  pit  is  located  just  south  of  the 
north  branch  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  Railroad,  two  miles 
southwest  of  Oregon.  The  product  is  washed  and  screened  and  the  only 
foundry  sand  produced  is  core  sand.  Development  of  new  shipping  pits 
producing  foundry  sands  from  the  silica  sand  is  unlikely. 

Peoria  County 

Deposits  in  Peoria  County  (fig.  46)  which  may  contain  workable 
molding  sand  are  of  two  widely  variant  kinds,  each  confined  to  a  single 
general  locality. 

(1)  Dunes  on  the  surface  of  the  gravelly  terraces  of  the  Illinois  River 
valley,  topographically  evident  as  low  knolls,  may  contain  a  coarse,  heavy, 
Type  I  molding  sand.  The  small  extent  of  such  a  deposit  would  hardly 
permit  extensive  development.  The  wide  valley  flat  south  of  Chillicothe 
is  a  favorable  area. 

Worm  pit  near  Peoria 

The  only  production  at  present  from  such  a  deposit  is  furnished  from 
the  pit  of  Mr.  William  Worm  in  the  SW.  M  NW.  M  sec.  19,  T.  8  N.,  R.8  E., 
in  the  town  of  Peoria.  A  2-foot  thickness  of  coarse,  heavy  molding  sand 
(Sample  No.  154,  Table  30),  overlain  by  2  feet  of  clay,  lies  upon  the  terrace 
deposits.  The  latter  consist  of  coarse  sand  and  fine  gravel,  which  is  pro- 
duced as  cement  sand.  The  molding  sand  is  hand-shoveled  and  trucked  to 
local    consumers. 

It  is  not  probable  that  deposits  of  this  type  are  present  in  this  county 
south  of  the  mouth  of  Kickapoo  Creek.  The  extensive  stream  terraces 
across  Illinois  River  (see  Tazewell  County  report)  contain  widespread 
deposits. 

(2)  Stream-terrace  (Type  III)  sand  deposits  occur  in  the  low  hills 
which  border  the  valley  of  Kickapoo  Creek.  Only  a  limited  area,  between 
Edwards  and  Pottstown,  contains  material  which  might  be  used  for  mold- 
ing sand.  East  of  Edwards,  2^  miles  just  northeast  of  the  intersection  of 
the  Peoria  road  and  the  hill  road,  a  slope  exposes  the  following  section: 


POPE  COUNTY  133 

Thickness 
Feet 

Fine  gravel,  sharp  sand,  and  clay 0-5 

Fine  bonded  sand,  calcareous 101 

Yellow  silt,  calcareous 5 

Fine  bonded  sand,  leached 102 

Peoria  road  level. 

The  layers  do  not  contain  bond  for  more  than  200  yards  along  the  face 
of  the  hill  and  it  is  impossible  to  predict  the  extent  or  bond  content  of  the 
unexposed  part  of  the  deposit.  Between  25,000  and  100,000  tons  are 
available,   overlain  by  thin  soil. 

The  hill  is  so  situated  that  each  stratum  could  be  worked  separately 
by  terracing.  The  tracks  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  Railroad 
are  about   100  yards  distant. 

Across  Kickapoo  Valley,  a  mile  southwest  of  the  above  location,  in 
the  NW.  \i  SW.  ii  sec.  27,  T.  9  N.,  R.  7  E.,  iy2  miles  northwest  of  Potts- 
town,  there  are  10  to  15  feet  of  fine  bonded  sand,  overlain  by  1  to  5  feet  of 
the  clay  which  caps  the  hill.  The  sand  is  exposed  in  a  few  places  in  the 
timbered  ravines  and  on  the  valley  wall  itself.  Sample  No.  153  (Table  30) 
is  representative  of  the  upper  8  feet  of  a  10-foot  section.  The  sand  is  slightly 
calcareous  and  it  is  probable  that  the  lime  content  will  vary  horizontally. 
At  least  20  acres  are  underlain  by  the  deposit  but  only  extensive  prospect- 
ing could  determine  the  amount  suitable  for  use  as  molding  sand.  The 
tracks  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  Railroad  are  across  the 
valley,  three-quarters  of  a  mile  distant. 

Molding  sand  may  occur  at  other  points  along  the  valley  walls  of 
Kickapoo  Creek.  The  occurrence  of  a  lime-free  sand  is  hardly  to  be  expected 
in  this  type  of  deposit,  especially  if  it  be  overlain  by  the  yellow  surface 
clay  common  in  the  region. 

Pope  County 

The  molding  sand  deposits  of  Pope  County  (fig.  47)  are  confined  to 
the  lowlands  in  the  vicinity  of  Homberg  and  Brownfield.  This  area  was 
a  river  channel  at  some  time,  judging  from  the  extensive  deposits  of  sands 
and  silts.  Those  deposited  by  water  are  fine  in  texture,  and  both  Type  II 
and  Type  III  are  represented.  Windblown  deposits  in  the  form  of  dunes 
are  present  and,  as  is  common  with  such  deposits,  they  contain  Type  I 
sands. 

Type  II  and  Type  III  sand  deposits 

The  three  samples  taken  of  the  fine  sands  can  hardly  be  considered 
representative  of  the  silty  deposits  as  a  whole,  but  typical  of  a  small  area 
only.  In  the  NW.  M  SE.  M  sec.  2,  T.  14  S.,  R.  5  E.,  a  3-foot  section  over- 
lain by  6  inches  of  fine  silt  was  sampled  as  follows: 

f  3^2  foot  fine  silt 

No-  186 ^  1  foot  dark  silt No.  184 

(  2  feet  yellowish  silt No.  185 

Table  30  gives  the  results  of  the  tests  made  on  Samples  No.  184,  185  and  186. 

'Represented  by  Sample  No.  150  (see  Table  30  and  fig.  33A). 
Represented  by  Sample  No.  152  (see  Table  30). 


134 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


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Fig.  47.— Map  showing  molding  sand  deposits  of  Pope  County 


PULASKI  COUNTY  135 

The  possibility  of  the  production  of  a  uniform  grade  is  small,  con- 
sidering the  nature  of  the  deposit.  In  the  NE.  34  NW.  x/i  sec.  2,  T.  14  S., 
R.  5  E.,  a  3-foot  section  was  sampled  (No.  189,  Table  30).  This  is  a  true 
waterlaid  Type  II  sand.  Practically  all  of  the  clay  percentage  is  fine  silt. 
The  low  permeability  makes  such  a  sand  of  doubtful  value.  The  whole 
deposit  of  fine  sand  and  silts  contains  180,000  to  1,200,000  tons  and  it 
lies  between  1  and  2x/i  miles  from  the  Brownfield  station  of  the  Illinois 
Central  Railroad. 

Type  I  sand  deposits 

Two  samples  of  Type  I  sand  were  taken.  Sample  No.  187  is  a  very 
coarse  sand  occurring  in  a  deposit  containing  about  5,000  tons  in  the  NW.J4 
NE.V4  sec.  15,  T.14  S.,  R.6  E.  Several  similar  deposits  are  in  the  vicinity. 
Sample  No.  188  was  taken  in  the  NW.^  SE.^  sec.  4,  T.14  S.,  R.6  E., 
adjacent  to  the  Homberg  siding  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  The 
deposit  contains  about  5,000  tons  but  several  other  old-dune  deposits 
containing  Type  I  sands  are  in  the  vicinity. 

Pulaski  County 

It  is  improbable  that  molding  sand  will  be  found  in  Pulaski  County. 
A  layer  of  red  sand  with  iron-oxide  bond  exposed  in  the  roadcut  in  the 
hill  half  a  mile  due  south  of  Pulaski,  was  sampled  (No.  183,  Table  30), 
although  at  this  place  the  deposit  is  not  workable.  This  is  the  only  kind 
of  sand  which  can  be  expected  and  its  value  is  doubtful. 

Randolph  County 

Randolph  County  is  not  a  favorable  area  for  molding  sand. 

Clores  Station  deposit 

The  only  deposit  seen  occurs  on  a  terrace  of  St.  Mary's  River,  ad- 
jacent to  Clores  Station  of  the  Wabash,  Chester  and  Western  Railroad, 
in  the  SW.  M  NE.  M  sec.  28,  T.  7  S.,  R.  6  W.  The  deposit  is  alluvium  and 
is  exceedingly  variable  in  texture.  Sample  No.  181  (Table  30)  was  taken 
from  the  upper  3  feet  of  the  7-foot  thickness.  Such  a  sand  is  of  value 
only  for  local  use.     The  extent  of  the  deposit  is  20,000  to  50,000  toms. 

Rock  Island  County 

It  would  appear  from  the  small  amount  of  work  done,  that  the  found- 
ries of  the  Quad-Cities  are  fortunate  in  having  considerable  available 
molding  sand  within  and  near  Rock  Island  County  (See  Henry,  Bureau, 
Henderson,  and  Hancock  county  reports).  There  are,  undoubtedly, 
large  deposits  which  are  as  yet  untouched  and  will  be  developed  only 
through  systematic,  careful  prospecting  and  intelligent  development.  The 
utilization  of  vegetable-bond  sands  and  the  use  of  Type  I  sand  in  foundry 
mixes  would  fill  all  needs  except  for  stove  plate  and  for  very  heavy  work. 
Cooperation  between  foundrymen  and  producers  to  the  extent  of  giving 
local  sands  adequate  tests  is  necessary. 


136 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


O 
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a 

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ROCK  ISLAND  COUNTY  137 

The  producing  and  prospective  areas  of  Rock  Island  County  (fig.  48) 
may  be  classified  as  follows: 

1.  Deposits  on  the  terraces  and  flood  plains  of  the  Rock  and  Mis- 
sissippi rivers. 

2.  Deposits  on  the  uplands,  especially  those  adjacent  to  the  Mis- 
sissippi and  Rock  rivers. 

TERRACE  AND  FLOOD-PLAIN  DEPOSITS 

The  deposits  on  the  flood  plain  of  the  Mississippi  yield  a  black  Type 
II  sand  which  has  a  reduced-clay  or  so-called  "vegetable"  bond.  Such 
sand  may  be  economically  used  when  obtained  near  by,  but  the  short  life 
of  the  bond  prohibits  development  of  shipping  pits.  In  former  times  this 
kind  of  sand  was  widely  used  by  the  local  foundries.  As  shown  by  the 
tests,  the  properties  of  these  black  Type  II  sands  are  not  markedly  differ- 
ent from  Type  III  sands.  The  high  silt  content  makes  for  a  rather  uni- 
form bond  strength  throughout  the  working  range  and  the  permeability 
is  very  closely  related  to  the  silt  percentage.  When  heated  to  600°  F., 
much  of  the  volatile  organic  matter  which  is  present  in  the  clay  grade  is 
burned  out,  and  when  the  sand  is  re-tempered  this  does  not  absorb  mois- 
ture. The  optimum  moisture  content  is  thus  lowered,  and  as  these  sands 
normally  decrease  in  bond  strength  with  decreased  moisture  content,  the 
bond  strength  is  lowered.  The  vegetable  matter  is  not  in  itself  a  binder 
but  is  a  moisture  absorbent  which  increases  the  efficiency  of  the  silt  bond. 

The  burning  out  of  the  vegetable  matter  does  not  appreciably  in- 
crease the  permeability  as  recorded  by  tests,  as  the  specimen  is  rammed 
after  the  burning;  but  when  in  a  mold  the  permeability  of  the  rammed 
sand  is  no  doubt  much  increased  by  the  voids  left  by  the  burnt  organic 
matter. 

Mud  Island  sand 

Sample  No.  85  (Table  30)  was  obtained  from  a  remnant  of  "Mud 
Island"  sand  in  the  bottom  of  a  bin  of  the  John  Deere  Harvester  Works, 
East  Moline. 

Blake  pits,  Rock  Island 

Sample  No.  105  (Table  30)  was  taken  from  the  lower  3  feet  of  a  7-foot 
pit  section  on  the  property  of  the  Blake  Company,  Rock  Island,  in  the  SW.M 
NW.  \i  sec.  34,  T.  18  N.,  R.  2  W.  This  sand  has  been  used  by  that  com- 
pany for  some  time,  and,  although  short-lived,  proved  satisfactory.  The 
deposit  is  very  nearly  worked  out  on  this  property. 

Rock  Island  Molding  Sand  Company' s  pit  near  Pettifers  Island 

Farther  south,  opposite  the  head  of  Pettifers  Island,  an  area  of  about 
200acres  is  covered  by  atleasta  2-foot  layer  of  the  black  Type  II  '  Vegetable"- 
bond  sand,  some  of  which  is  worked  by  the  Rock  Island  Molding  Sand 
Co.  Sample  No.  78  (Table  30),  from  the  SW.  \i  SW.  J£  sec.  3,  T.  17  N., 
R.2  W.,  is  from  a  2^-foot  section  of  this  company's  pit.  Sample  No.  79 
(Table  30)  was  taken  in  the  NW.  M  SW.  \i  sec.  3,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  W.  and 
is  a  yellow  sand  which  occurs  in  small  isolated  patches. 


138  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF   ILLINOIS 

Alluvium  of  lower  Rock  River  valley 

A  part  of  the  area  between  Kickapoo  Slough  and  the  Illinois  and 
Mississippi  Canal  might  yield  alluvial  molding  sand,  particularly  sees. 
15  and  16,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  W. 

Rock  River  terrace  deposits  near  Milan 

South  of  Kickapoo  Slough,  a  3-foot  layer  of  coarse  red  molding  sand 
is  exposed  in  the  creek  bank  in  the  southwest  corner  of  sec.  22,  T.  17  N., 
R.  2  W.  Probably  only  a  small  quantity  is  available  and  its  quality  is 
questionable. 

Deposits  east  of  Milan 

A  33^-foot  thickness  of  fine  yellow  sand  was  sampled  in  the  south- 
west corner  of  the  SW.  \i  SE.  M  sec.  22,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  W.,  two  miles 
west  of  Milan  (Sample  No.  110,  Table  30).  This  is  a  waterlaid  Type  II 
sand.  It  is  not  probable  that  this  deposit  contains  more  than  10,000  tons, 
but  the  nearness  of  a  market  and  the  adjacent  railroad  should  stimulate 
prospecting  in  the  vicinity. 

Terrace  deposits  near  Silvis 


A  terrace  which  yields  Type  I  sand  is  found  in  the  N.  x/i  SE.  x/i  sec. 
29,  T.  18  N.,  R.  1  E.,  a  mile  northeast  of  Silvis.  Some  of  this  sand  contains 
ample  bond  for  use  as  molding  sand,  but  the  lateral  distribution  of  bond 
is  not  sufficiently  uniform  for  development  except  for  local  use.  The 
Rock  Island  Molding  Sand  Co.  produces  some  sand  from  this  deposit. 
Sample  No.  106  (Table  30)  was  taken  from  a  2-foot  layer  of  the  heaviest 
sand  seen. 

UPLAND   DEPOSITS 

The  uplands,  particularly  the  bluffs  adjacent  to  the  Mississippi  and 
Rock  River  valleys  are  mantled  with  a  thick  layer  of  loess,  the  yellow 
silty  material  which  is  so  evident  in  gullies  and  roadcuts.  This  calcareous 
Type  II  sand  is  utilized  for  molding  sand  and  for  core  filler. 

Davis  Molding  Sand  Co.  pit  near  Sears 

The  pit  of  the  Davis  Molding  Sand  Co.,  half  a  mile  north  of  Sears, 
shows  the  twofold  division  into  fine  yellow  and  coarser  grayish  silts.  Sam- 
ple No.  102  (fig.  32A,  Table  30),  from  Franks  Foundries,  Moline,  is  repre- 
sentative of  the  finest  phase.  Sample  No.  84  (Table  30),  from  the  John 
Deere  Harvester  Works,  Moline,  is  the  basal  phase,  and  contains  some 
coarser  slope  wash.  It  is  a  calcareous  Type  III  sand.  At  least  16,000 
tons  of  sand  are  available,  but  it  is  impossible  to  estimate  the  proportion 
of  each  kind. 

Other  loess  deposits 

There  are  numerous  exposures  of  loess  along  the  bluff  in  Rock  Island, 
Moline,  and  East  Moline,  as  well  as  farther  up  the  river  in  the  vicinity  of 
Pott   Byron.     There  are  also  exposures  along  Rock  River,  and  in  the  hills 


SANGAMON  COUNTY  139 

north  of  Hillsdale  located  in  sec.  20,  T.19  N.,  R.3  E.  The  demand  for  this 
calcareous  Type  II  sand  is  not  great  and  deposits  within  town  limits  are 
sufficient  to  supply  local  demands. 

Sangamon  County 

The  upland  areas  adjacent  to  Sangamon  River  contain  deposits  of 
sand  and  constitute  the  only  favorable  molding  sand  areas  seen  in  Sanga- 
mon County.  The  sand  is  thickest  at  those  points  where  the  valley  is 
directly  to  the  west,  and  in  some  localities,  as  in  E.J/£  sec.  11,  T.16  N.,  R.5 
W.,  the  topography  is  suggestive  of  dunes. 

The  sand  which  underlies  the  surface  soil  in  these  areas  is  commonly 
sharp,  but  iron-stained  layers  and  an  occasional  layer  of  bonded  molding 
sand  were  seen. 

Deposit  near  Spaulding 

A  layer  of  molding  sand  1  to  3  feet  thick  is  exposed  at  the  570-foot 
contour  level1  in  several  places  along  the  river  road  between  Riverton  and 
Spaulding.  A  3-foot  thickness  made  up  of  alternate  bands  of  heavy  and 
sharp  sand  is  exposed  in  a  roadcut  in  sec.  4,  T.  16  N.,  R.  4  W.,  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  west  of  Spaulding. 

An  excellent  Type  I  sand  (Sample  No.  156,  Table  30),  the  heaviest 
sand  seen  in  the  county,  was  taken  from  this  section.  Much  of  the  deposit 
is  Type  I  sand  which  is  lacking  in  bond  strength,  but  as  grains  are  coated 
with  limonite,  a  foundry  mix  with  a  fire  clay  bond  might  make  it  a  usable 
sand.  It  is  probable  that  the  deposit  includes  10,000  tons,  but  the  amount 
available  is  difficult  of  estimation  because  the  quality  may  not  be  uniform 
and  the  overburden,  which  varies  from  2  to  5  feet,  may  increase. 

Deposit  in  E.Y2  sec.  11,  T.16  N.,  R.5  W.  near  S treadle  siding 

The  upland  area  northwest  of  Streadle  siding  and  2  to  3  miles  north- 
east of  the  State  Fair  Grounds  contains  a  2-to  6-foot  layer  of  sharp,  iron- 
stained,  Type  I  sand  under  2  to  5  feet  of  clay.  A  small  amount  of  core 
sand  is  produced  for  local  use.  No  workable  natural-bonded  sands  were 
seen,  but  the  iron-stained  grains  suggest  that  a  mixture  of  the  sand  and 
fire  clay  might  be  of  value.  The  overlying  clay  contains  too  much  silt  to 
be  of  value  as  a  bond. 

St.  Clair  County 

The  bluff  slopes  are  the  only  areas  in  St.  Clair  County  favorable  for 
the  occurrence  of  molding  sand,  and  only  Type  II  and  Type  III  sands  are 
likely  to  be  found  there.    Loess  is  very  abundant. 

O.  J.  Long  pit,  Caseyville 

A  loess  bank  in  the  town  of  Caseyville  is  worked  by  Mr.  O.  J.  Long, 
but  very  little  of  the  production  is  for  foundry  use.  Sample  No.  180  (fig. 
33  and  Table  30),  a  typical  loess,  was  taken  from  the  lower  6  feet  of  the 
18-foot  pit  section.    Some  10,000  tons  are  available. 

l  See  U.  S.  Geological  Survey  topographic  map  of  the  Springfield  quadrangle. 


140  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


Tazewell  County 


The  only  favorable  area  for  molding  sand  in  Tazewell  County  (fig. 
46)  is  the  extensive  terrace  of  Illinois  River,  lying  between  the  flood  plain 
and  the  valley  wall. 

Terrace  deposit  near  Pekin 

A  large  deposit,  probably  in  excess  of  200,000  tons,  occurs  in  sees.  13 
and  24,  T.  25  N,  R.  5  W,  Z\i  to  4  miles  north  of  Pekin.  Just  south  of 
the  creek  in  the  center  of  sec.  13,  the  road  rises  gradually  onto  a  terrace 
about  30  feet  high.  Molding  sand  mantles  the  top  of  this  terrace,  the 
maximum  thickness  being  2}/<i  feet.  Sample  No.  155  (Table  30)  was 
taken  from  several  channels  in  the  total  section  exposed  in  a  roadcut. 
The  sample  is  very  heavy,  as  only  the  layer  containing  bond  was  sampled. 
The  deposit  is  capable  of  producing  Type  I  sand  and  the  high  silt  content 
of  the  sample  taken  is  due  to  error  in  sampling,  too  much  of  the  top  ma- 
terial being  included.  It  is  certain  that  a  more  open  sand  would  normally 
be  produced  from  this  deposit.  Half  a  mile  south,  in  sec.  24,  T.  25  N., 
R.  5  W.,  the  road  again  rises  upon  the  terrace  and  molding  sand  is  exposed 
in  the  road  cut.  The  terrace  level  on  which  the  molding  sand  is  found 
is  continuous  to  the  valley  wall,  half  a  mile  east.  The  whole  area  of  the 
terrace  is  not  covered  by  a  uniform  depth  of  sand  but  there  is  sufficient 
thickness  over  parts  of  the  areas  to  make  development  worth  while,  as 
transportation  is  close  and  the  Peoria  market  near  by.  No  other  workable 
deposits  were  noted,  but  the  terrace  area  northeast,  east,  and  southeast 
of  Pekin  is  a  possible  one.  South  of  Pekin,  along  and  east  of  the  Chicago, 
Peoria  and  St.  Louis  Railroad,  there  is  abundant  sharp  sand,  but  no 
natural-bonded  molding  sand  was  found.  The  same  is  true  along  the  lines 
of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  and  Chicago  and  Alton  Railroad  south 
of  Pekin.  As  has  been  stated  (Chapter  III)  it  is  seldom  that  natural-bonded 
molding  sands  are  found  in  an  area  covered  by  sharp  sand. 

Vermilion  County 

No  deposits  of  commercially  valuable  molding  sand  were  seen  in 
Vermilion  County.    There  are,  however,  several  possible  areas,  as  follows: 

1.  Little  Vermilion  River  and  its  tributaries,  particularly  between 
Indianola  and  Georgetown.  Patches  of  molding  sand,  generally  with  a 
thickness  of  1  foot  or  less,  are  exposed  here  and  there  in  the  roadcuts  at 
the  top  of  the  low  valley  walls.  The  terraces  were  not  found  to  contain 
sand  where  auger  borings  were  made. 

2.  Salt  Fork  and  its  tributaries.  The  terraces  sometimes  contain 
sand,  patches  of  which  contain  bond.  This  type  of  sand  is  exposed  at 
the  point  where  the  paved  road  crosses  the  creek,  ^  mile  east  of  Muncie. 
It  is  not  probable  that  extensive  deposits  will  be  found. 

3.  The  sandy  areas  in  the  northern  part  of  the  county.  It  is  im- 
probable that  molding  sand  deposits  of  commercial  thickness  and  extent 
will  be  found.  A  typical  exposure  may  be  seen  along  the  road  in  sec.  7, 
T.  22  N.,  R.  11   W.,  2  miles  east  of  Rossville.     Only  thin  layers  of  poorly 


WHITE  COUNTY  141 

bonded  sand  are  exposed  and  the  auger  borings  to  a  depth  of  5  feet  re- 
vealed only  sharp  sand. 

White  County 

The  molding  sand  deposits  of  White  County  are  all  contained  in  old 
dunes  on  the  terraces  of  Wabash  River  (fig.  49B).  In  former  times  there 
was  much  shifting  sand,  as  evidenced  by  the  low  rounded  knolls  which 
are  the  present  topographic  expression  of  the  dunes.  The  advance  of 
vegetation  and  the  consequent  formation  of  soil  on  these  dunes  has  caused 
the  formation  of  Type  I  molding  sand.  Not  all  of  the  old  dunes  contain 
molding  sand  heavy  enough  for  commercial  use;  hence,  each  knoll  must  be 
considered  as  a  unit  in  prospecting. 

Old  dunes  near  Carmi 

The  old  dunes  are  especially  numerous  in  the  area  northeast  of  Carmi. 
Sample  No.  192  (fig.  30B  and  Table  30)  was  taken  from  several  channels 
in  a  total  33^-foot  section  exposed  in  a  roadcut  in  the  SE.  34  SW.  34  sec.  8, 
T.  5  S.,  R.  10  E.  The  upper  1J^  feet  of  the  section  is  very  heavy  and 
the  lower  2  feet  relatively  sharp  but  with  limonite-coated  grains.  The 
knoll  contains  perhaps  42,000  tons  and  the  fineness  as  exposed  was  very 
uniform. 

Deposit  near  Simpson  siding 

Sample  No.  193  (Table  30)  was  taken  from  a  33^-foot  section  in  the 
NW.  M  SE.  M  sec.  11,  T.  5  S.,  R.  10  E.,  3J4  miles  southeast  of  Simpson 
siding  on  the  Big  Four  Railroad.  From  40,000  to  100,000  tons  are  avail- 
able in  the  deposit. 

Deposit  near  Grayville 

Adjacent  to  the  right  of  way  and  134  miles  south  of  Grayville,  a  1-  to 
3-foot  section  of  a  finer  Type  I  sand  is  exposed  in  a  roadcut.  The  deposit 
appears  to  be  a  continuous  mantle  which  thickens  into  low  dunes.  Sample 
No.  194  (Table  30)  shows  it  to  be  an  extraordinarily  fine  Type  I  sand. 
Between  20,000  and  240,000  tons  are  available. 

It  is  certain  that  several  deposits  exist  within  a  reasonable  distance 
from  transportation.  The  uniformity  of  the  deposits  and  the  good  quality 
of  the  sand  should  more  than  offset  the  disadvantage  of  distance  to  markets. 

Whiteside  County 

In  discussing  the  molding  sand  resources  of  Whiteside  County  (fig. 
48),  it  is  convenient  to  divide  it  into  five  units,  as  follows: 

1.  The  Mississippi  flood  plains  and  terraces 

2.  The  borders  of  the  marshy  channels  connecting  the  valleys  of 
the  Mississippi  and  the  Rock 

3.  The  uplands  northwest  of  Rock  River 

4.  The  Rock  River  terraces 

5.  The  sand  areas  in  the  southeast  part  of  the  county 


142 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

R.  13  W.       R.  12  W. 

R.  11W.        R.  10  W. 


Molding  sand  deposit 

Fig.  49A.— Map  showing  the  molding  sand  deposits  on  the  Illinois  side  of  Wabash  Valley 
in  Clark,  Crawford,  and  Lawrence  counties. 


WHITESIDE  COUNTY 


143 


R.  10  E.  R.  11  E.  R.  14  W.  R.  13  W.  R.  12W.        R.  1 1  W. 


•  Molding  sand  deposit 


Fig.  49B. — Map  showing  the  molding  sand  deposits  on  the  Illinois  side  of  Wabash  Valley 
in  Edward,  Gallatin,  Wabash,  and  White  counties. 


144  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

MISSISSIPPI  FLOOD  PLAINS  AND  TERRACES 

The  Hood  plain  proper  is  covered  by  alluvium  and  the  only  sand  avail- 
able would  be  black  Type  II  or  <Vegetable"-bond  sand  which  is  valuable 
for  local  use  only.  Between  the  border  of  the  flood  plain  and  the  bluff 
is  a  terrace,  continuous  with  that  of  Carroll  County,  which  extends  from 
the  north  line  of  the  county  to  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 
Another  patch  extends  from  the  south  edge  of  Fulton  to  East  Clinton. 
The  area  between  lower  Cattail  Creek  and  the  bluffs  is  also  a  terrace. 
The  probability  of  the  finding  of  molding  sand  and  its  mode  of  occurrence 
on  these  terraces  is  discussed  in  the  Carroll  County  report. 

MARSHY  CHANNELS  CONNECTING  MISSISSIPPI  AND  ROCK  VALLEYS 

The  marshy  character  of  the  channels  connecting  the  Mississippi 
and  Rock  valleys  precludes  the  possibility  of  finding  molding  sand  in  them, 
but  their  terraces,  as  those  of  the  Mississippi,  are  favorable  areas.  One 
such  terrace  area  borders  the  upland  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Newton 
township  (T.20  N.,  R.3  E.).  It  is  similar  in  character  to  the  terraces 
along  the  Mississippi,  but  because  of  its  distance  from  a  shipping  point  it 
is  hardly  worth  prospecting.  The  borders  of  Cattail  Valley  are  sandy,  and 
on  the  property  of  Mr.  Harry  Hanzinga,  in  the  NE.J4  NW.J4  sec.  32,  T.21 
N.,  R.4  E.,  3  miles  northwest  of  Fenton,  a  2-  to  3-foot  layer  of  red  Type 
III  molding  sand  is  exposed.  The  amount  of  bond  is  variable.  Some  parts 
of  the  deposit  are  underlain  by  sharp  sand,  but  clay  underlies  the  greater 
portion.  Samples  No.  68  and  69  (Table  30)  are  representative  of  this 
deposit,  which  appears  to  contain  at  least  50,000  tons.  Both  borders  of 
Cattail  Slough  are  worth  prospecting  as  transportation  is  near  by. 

THE  UPLANDS  NORTH  AND  WEST  OF  ROCK  RIVER 

Dune  sand  is  present  at  many  points  along  the  Mississippi  River  bluff. 
It  is  valueless  except  for  core  sand  for  local  use.  The  loess  is  very  thick 
on  the  bluffs  and  mantles  the  surface  of  the  upland  and  in  many  cases 
occurs  in  elevated  ridges,  as  in  the  southwest  part  of  Round  Grove.  There 
are  two  phases  of  this  material,  the  lower  a  gray  material  containing 
brownish  spots  and  seemingly  coarser  than  the  powdery  yellow  top  layer. 
The  top  layer,  except  for  about  a  foot  just  beneath  the  soil,  is  very  cal- 
careous. 

Garden  City  Sand  Co.  pit  near  Round  Grove 

Just  southwest  of  Round  Grove  in  the  pit  of  Mr.  Clare  Knox,  operated 
for  the  Garden  City  Sand  Co.,  a  12-foot  thickness  of  loess  is  exposed.  It 
is  made  up  of  4  feet  of  the  grayish  lower  layer  (Sample  No.  66,  Table  30) 
which  here  grades  into  an  upper  layer  8  feet  thick  (Sample  No.  65,  Table 
30).  Both  are  calcareous  Type  III  sands  which  approach  Type  II  in 
properties.  A  large  amount  is  available  at  this  location  and  several  thou- 
sand tons  have  been  shipped  by  Mr.  Knox. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Morrison,  in  sec.  18,  T.21  N.,  R.5  E.  there  are  ex- 
tensive deposits. 


WILL  COUNTY  145 

Within  a  radius  of  V/%  miles  southwest  of  Fenton,  there  are  probably 
more  than  2,000,000  tons  of  loess. 

ROCK  RIVER  VALLEY 

The  terraces  of  the  Rock  contain  fine  gravel  and  in  many  places  sharp 
sand  is  present,  but  molding  sand  was  not  seen.  It  is  improbable  that 
workable  deposits  will  be  found. 

SAND  AREAS  IN  THE  SOUTHEASTERN  PART 

The  sand  areas  in  the  southeastern  part  of  Whiteside  County  are  a 
continuation  of  those  in  Lee  County,  and,  as  there,  no  molding  sand  is 
believed  to  be  present. 

Will  County 

In  general  the  western  half  of  Will  County  (fig.  43)  is  the  more  fa- 
vorable for  the  finding  of  molding  sand,  but  there  are  no  relatively  large 
areas  where  molding  sand  is  likely  to  be  found.  The  deposits  are  all  due 
to  local  conditions  which  affected  a  small  area  only.  Hence  the  mention 
of  only  a  few  localities  does  not  imply  that  others,  not  seen,  do  not  exist. 

DEPOSITS  NEAR  RITCHEY 

On  the  siding  of  the  Elgin,  Joliet  and  Eastern  Railroad,  half  a  mile 
south  of  Ritchey  Station,  located  in  sec.  18,  T.32  N.,  R.10  E,  three  molding 
sand  companies  load  their  product.  The  area  which  has  been  developed 
is  covered  with  3  to  10  feet  of  windblown  sand,  beneath  which  is  a  layer  of 
Type  I  molding  sand  of  varying  thickness.  The  sharp  sand  is  shipped  as 
core  sand  and  is  also  mixed  with  the  molding  sand,  which  is  a  heavy  grade. 
The  core  sands  have  been  worked  for  some  time  but  the  development  of 
the  natural-bonded  molding  sands  is  comparatively  recent. 

Riverside  Sand  Co.  pits 

The  pits  of  the  Riverside  Sand  Co.  are  a  few  hundred  yards  north- 
west of  Ritchey  siding  (Sample  No.  12,  Table  30).  The  grade  is  produced 
from  a  3-foot  section  of  silty  Type  III  sand  and  is  shipped  for  core  work. 
Below  this  lies  4  to  6  feet  of  uniform-textured,  heavy,  Type  I  sand  (Sam- 
ple No.  15,  Table  30).  From  10,000  to  150,000  tons  are  available.  An 
eighth  of  a  mile  north,  a  low  ridge  contains  fine  sands  (Sample  No.  13, 
Table  30),  and  although  the  texture  varies,  it  is  likely  that  a  rather  uni- 
form grade  of  brass  sand  might  be  produced.  Between  40,000  and  100,000 
tons  of  molding  sand  are  available  on  this  property. 

Larson  and  Larson  Sand  Co.  pits 

The  pit  of  the  Larson  and  Larson  Sand  Co.  is  about  a  third  of  a  mile 
northwest  of  Ritchey  siding.  The  molding  sand  is  from  4  to  6  feet  in 
thickness  and  is  overlain  by  sharp  sand.  Sample  No.  11  (Table  30)  is  a 
mixture  of  %  heavy  and  y%  sharp  sand.  The  heavy  sand  is  Type  I,  and 
the  sharp,  Type  III.  At  least  60,000  tons  are  available  but  there  may  be 
much  more  in  the  22-acre  tract. 


146  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

G.  A.  Davidson  Co.  pits 

The  pits  of  the  G.  A.  Davidson  Co.,  operated  by  Mr.  Len  Grundy, 
are  within  Y2  mile  southeast  of  Ritchey  siding.  Core  sand  only  was  being 
shipped  but  a  layer  of  molding  sand  4  to  6  feet  thick  lies  beneath.  Gravel 
is  below  at  this  point.    At  least  50,000  tons  of  molding  sand  are  available. 

It  was  reported  that  molding  sand  has  been  taken  out  near  Custer 
Park  just  across  the  river  from  the  Ritchey  deposit.  It  seems  quite  prob- 
able that  there  is  much  more  molding  sand  in  the  Ritchey  deposit  than 
is  now  evident.  Much  of  it  is  Type  I  sand  which  is  not  produced  as  such. 
The  Ritchey  area  is  close  to  transportation  and  relatively  close  to  the 
Chicago  market,  and  should  be  developed  on  a  larger  scale. 

OTHER    DEPOSITS 

The  discovery  of  other  deposits  similar  to  that  at  Ritchey  would  not 
be  surprising.  Although  the  areas  of  sharp  sand  which  occur  along  Kan- 
kakee River  do  not  ordinarily  have  a  layer  of  molding  sand  below,  they 
are  worth  prospecting  if  close  to  transportation.  Areas  close  to  the  river 
and  especially  to  the  concave  side  of  a  bend  are  perhaps  the  most  favorable. 

Rockton  Molding  Sand  Co.  pit  near  Wilmington 

The  Rockton  Molding  Sand  Co.  operates  a  deposit  which  is  exposed 
in  the  roadcuts  just  east  of  the  pipe  line  pumping  station,  three  miles 
north  of  Wilmington.  The  exposed  thickness  does  not  exceed  three  feet. 
Sample  No.  39  (Table  30)  from  the  roadcut  south  of  Prairie  Creek  and 
No.  40  (Table  30)  taken  north  of  the  creek  are  illustrative  of  the  uniformity 
of  this  excellent  deposit  of  Type  I  sand.  At  least  8  acres  are  underlain 
by  the  3-foot  thickness. 

It  is  possible  that  other  deposits  occur  along  the  border  of  the  flat. 
In  sec.  24,  T.  34  N.,  R.  9  E.,  2  miles  south  of  Millsdale,  along  the  borders 
of  the  valley  of  Jackson  Creek,  there  are  evidences  of  sand  but  workable 
deposits  were  not  found. 

Des  Plaines  Valley  deposits 

The  valley  of  the  Des  Plaines  is  not  as  favorable  for  the  accumulation 
of  deposits  of  molding  sand  as  are  the  valleys  of  creeks  tributary  to  it. 
The  extensive  plains  underlain  by  gravel  may  have  a  layer  of  molding 
sand  just  under  the  surface  soil.  Two  miles  east  of  Joliet,  adjacent  to  the 
Michigan  Central  Railroad  in  the  NE.  %  NE.  y±  sec.  14,  T.  35  N.,  R. 
10  E.,  there  is  a  small  patch  of  molding  sand.  It  is  not  of  commercial 
value.  Doubtless  many  small  deposits  of  this  type  in  the  vicinity  of 
Joliet  have  been  worked  for  local  use. 

Du  Page  Valley  deposits 

Only  one  deposit  was  seen  along  Du  Page  River  but  it  is  not  improb- 
able that  others  might  be  found.  Near  the  center  of  the  E.  Y2  sec-  27, 
T.  36  N.,  R.  9  E.,  2j^  miles  south  of  Plainfield,  several  acres  between  the 
road  and  Isle  la  Cache  Creek  are  underlain  by  a  sand.     Though  the  sand 


WINNEBAGO  COUNTY  147 

is  hardly  suitable  for  use,  the  area  and  that  to  the  northwest  might,  if 
prospected  carefully,  show  deposits  of  sand  of  workable  quality. 

Core  sand 

Core  sand  is  abundant  in  the  Ritchey  area  and  in  general  along  Kan- 
kakee River. 

Fire  clay 

Fire  clay  is  shipped  by  the  Illinois  Molding  Sand  and  Materials  Co. 
from  a  pit  in  the  hill  in  the  SW.  \i  sec.  15,  T.  35  N.,  R.  10  E.  A  10-foot 
thickness  of  glacial  till  is  worked  with  a  steam  shovel.  The  till  is  conveyed 
to  the  plant  by  narrow-gauge  cars  and  is  there  mixed  and  ground. 

Winnebago  County 

The  terraces,  valley-wall  slope,  and  immediately  adjacent  upland  on 
the  west  side  of  Rock  River  contain  the  only  molding  sand  seen  in  Winne- 
bago County  (fig.  45).  The  territory  east  of  Rock  River  appears  to  be 
unfavorable.  The  terraces  of  Kishwaukee  River  consist  almost  entirely 
of  gravel.  The  extensive  sand  flat  of  Pecatonica  River  near  its  mouth 
contains  nothing  but  sharp  sand.  It  is  improbable  that  molding  sand  will 
be  found  on  the  uplands  not  adjacent  to  Rock  River. 

Rockton  Molding  Sand  Co.  pits  near  Rock  ton 

The  only  producing  molding  sand  pits  are  operated  by  the  Rockton 
Molding  Sand  Co.,  whose  milling  plant  is  located  on  a  siding  of  the  Chicago, 
Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad  in  the  south  edge  of  the  town  of  Rockton. 
Sand  is  dumped  from  truck  or  narrow-gauge  car  into  a  hopper  containing 
four  10-inch  augers  which  break  up  lumps  and  mix  the  sand,  whence  it 
is  fed  slowly  into  a  belt  conveyor  that  elevates  the  sand  to  a  cylinder  mill. 
The  mill  consists  of  a  fast-  and  a  slow-running  cylinder  which  disintegrate 
small  lumps  and  feed  the  sand  onto  a  conveyor  belt  which  loads  the  cars. 
The  patent  for  this  cylinder  mill  is  owned  by  the  company. 

Three-quarters  of  a  mile  west  of  the  plant,  on  the  south  bank  of 
the  Rock,  the  same  company  operates  a  pit  in  the  loess  which  mantles  the 
slope.  The  material  is  uniform  in  texture,  and  the  thickness  varies  up 
to  a  maximum  of  15  feet.  The  extent  of  the  deposit  is  difficult  of  estimate 
but  it  is  certain  that  more  than  18,000  tons  are  yet  available.  The  sand 
is  dug  with  a  small  steam  shovel  and  hauled  to  the  plant  on  a  narrow- 
gauge  tram.  The  uniformity  of  quality  of  the  deposits  and  its  thickness 
make  such  a  method  possible.  Sample  No.  50  (Table  30)  is  representative 
of  this  calcareous  Type  II  sand. 

The  coarser  grades  are  derived  from  the  NW.  }i  sec.  25,  T.  46  N., 
R.  1  E.  The  pits  lie  on  the  slope  of  the  west  valley  wall  of  the  Rock, 
which  is  mantled  by  windblown  sand  modified  by  slopewash  and  weather- 
ing. Sample  No.  46  is  an  average  sample  of  the  more  open  sand  which  is 
hand-shoveled.  This  is  used  as  one  of  the  components  of  a  mixed  grade. 
Farther  down  the  slope  a  very  heavy  Type  III  sand  (Sample  No.  49, 
Table  30)  is  dug  by  the  machine  pictured  in  figures  25,  26  and  27. 


148  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

This  machine  may  be  set  to  any  desired  depth  and  takes  off  a  con- 
stant thickness,  delivering  it  to  a  truck.  The  open  sand  and  the  heavy 
sand  are  mixed  in  measured  proportions,  a  wide  range  of  bond  grades 
being  possible.  Each  truck  load,  a  mixture  of  the  desired  proportions,  is 
milled  as  described  above  and  a  thorough  mixture  is  the  result.  Care  is 
exercised  in  making  certain  that  the  quality  of  each  part  of  the  mixture 
is  the  same,  and  the  accurate  measurement  and  record  of  the  proportions 
of  the  mixture  is  made  in  order  to  facilitate  the  reproduction  of  grades. 
On  the  flat  hilltop  west  of  the  pits  is  a  considerable  deposit  of  a  finer  sand 
which  is  3  to  5  feet  thick  over  at  least  10  acres  and  possible  over  as  much 
as  30  acres  (Sample  No.  47,  Table  30).  This  deposit  had  not  yet  been 
worked  in  July,  1923,  but  was  soon  to  be  developed.  Sample  No.  48  is 
from  an  abandoned  pit  face  some  100  yards  from  the  site  of  Sample  No.  46. 

Deposits  near  Roscoe 

Adjacent  to  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad,  1%  miles 
west  of  Roscoe,  a  thin  layer  of  molding  sand  was  disclosed  by  the  auger. 
A  mile  south  of  this  point,  in  the  SW.  %  SE.  \i  sec.  6,  T.  45  N.,  R.  2  E.,  a 
2-foot  thickness  is  exposed  in  the  bank  of  the  stream.  It  was  assumed 
that  the  deposit  is  continuous  along  the  railroad  between  the  two  expos- 
ures but  it  was  not  found  to  extend  over  the  flat  to  the  east.  The  deposit 
is  thin,  contains  pebbles,  and  is  probably  patchy.  It  is  hardly  a  com- 
mercial proposition.  A  thin  layer  was  seen  in  a  house  excavation  west  of 
the  Rockford  road,  in  the  NW.  \i  sec.  11,  T.  44  N.,  R.  1  E. 

Core  sand 

There  is  an  abundance  of  core  sand  on  the  flat  of  Pecatonica  River 
and  along  the  west  valley  wall  of  Rock  River  north  of  Rockton.  Several 
producing  pits,  for  the  most  part  sporadically  worked  wagon  pits,  are 
scattered  over  sec.  1,  T.  46  N.,  R.  1  E.  The  pit  of  Mr.  George  Putthennery, 
located  just  west  of  the  road,  in  the  south  part  of  sec.  6,  T.  46  N.,  R.  2  E., 
is  a  windblown  deposit  of  even-grained  sharp  sand.  The  sand  is  put  into 
a  loading  hopper  with  a  cable  skip  and  hauled  by  truck  to  Beloit,  Wis- 
consin. Core  sand  is  no  doubt  obtained  in  small  quantities  from  the  bars 
of  Rock  River  or  from  small  deposits  of  sharp  sand  which  occur  along 
the  west  side  of  the  valley  in  the  vicinity  of  Rockford. 

Location  and  Summary  Description  of  Tested  Samples  of  Molding 

Sand  Deposits1 

adams  county 

Sample  No.  139:  NE.  \i  NW.  \i  sec.  26,  T.  1  S.,  R.  9  W.  One- 
fourth  mile  north  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  siding.  Sample 
taken  from  bin  of  Electric  Wheel  Company,  Quincy,  Illinois.  From 
producing  pit  worked  by  J.  A.  Piatt,  Quincy,  Illinois.  Used  for  light 
gray  iron  and  for  bond  renewal.     Three-  to  seven-foot  section.     Extent, 


'I'm   descriptions,  by  counties,  of  the  possible  and  already  developed  molding  sand  deposits,  see  the 
pre<  eding  pages. 


SUMMARY BOND  COUNTY  149 

20,000  to  100,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  silt  or  loess,  capping  east 
valley  wall  of  Mississippi  River.  A  calcareous  sand  containing  primarily 
deposited  bond. 

BOND    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  52:  Location  same  as  No.  171.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  Greenlee  Brothers,  Rockford,  Illinois.     Used  for  heavy  castings. 

Sample  No.  53:  Location  same  as  No.  171.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  Greenlee  Brothers,  Rockford,  Illinois.  A  finer  grade  than  No.  52. 
Used  for  medium  heavy  castings.  Mixes  made  of  No.  52  and  No.  53 
to  suit  grade  of  work. 

Sample  No.  100:  Location  same  as  No.  168.  Sample  taken  from 
bin  of  Frank  Foundries,  Moline,  Illinois.  Used  for  very  heavy  castings. 
Trade  name,  Greenville  Coarse. 

Sample  No.  166:  NW.  M  NE.  \i  sec.  25,  T.  4  N.,  R.  2  W.  One 
and  one-half  miles  east  of  Tamalco  siding,  Chicago,  Burlington  and 
Quincy  Railroad.  Worked  by  G.  Nicol  and  Son,  Collinsville,  Illinois. 
Production  for  heavy  gray  iron  work.  Sample  mixed  in  pit.  Half  and 
half  mixture  of  heavy  top  sand  and  sharp  basal  sand.  Extent,  100,000 
to  280,000  tons.  Formation,  Illinoian  fluvio-glacial  sands  containing 
weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  167:  Location  same  as  No.  166.  Sample  of  produced 
grade  from  7-foot  pit  section.    Shipped  for  heavy  gray  iron  work. 

Sample  No.  168:  SW.  M  NE.  M  sec.  1,  T.  5  N.,  R.  2  W.  One  and 
one-half  miles  south  of  Mulberry  Grove  siding  of  Vandalia  Railroad. 
Worked  by  Warren  Sand  Company,  Mulberry  Grove,  Illinois.  Produc- 
tion for  heavy  gray  iron  work.  Sample  taken  from  two  partially  loaded 
cars.  Pit  section  7  to  9  feet.  Extent,  100,000  to  200,000  tons.  Formation, 
Illinoian  fluvio-glacial  sands  containing  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  170:  E.  Y2  SW.  %  sec.  10,  T.  5  N.,  R.  3  W.  One-half 
mile  northwest  of  Greenville  siding  of  Vandalia  Railroad.  Worked  by 
W.  M.  Peterson  and  Sons,  Greenville,  Illinois.  Production  for  heavy 
gray  iron  work.  Pit  section  3  to  8  feet.  Sample  of  produced  grade  taken 
from  partially  loaded  cars.  Extent,  120,000  to  200,000  tons.  Forma- 
tion, Illinoian  fluvio-glacial  sands  containing  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  171:  S.  Y2  SW.  \i  sec.  2,  T.  5  N.,  R.  3  W.  One  and 
one-fourth  miles  north  of  Greenville  siding  of  Vandalia  Railroad.  Worked 
by  Ed.  B.  Squier  Company,  Federal  Reserve  Bank  Building,  St.  Louis, 
Missouri.  Production  for  heavy  gray  iron  work.  Sample  from  several 
channels  in  total  7-foot  pit  section.  Extent,  100,000  to  300,000  tons. 
Formation,   Illinoian  fluvio-glacial  sand  containing  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  179:  Location  same  as  No.  166.  Sample  taken  from 
bin  of  Enterprise  Foundry  Company,  Belleville,  Illinois.  Used  for  heavy 
gray  iron  work. 

BOONE    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  43:  NE.  \i  sec.  27,  T.  45  N.,  R.  4  E.  Three  miles  south 
of  Capron  Station  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  Unworked 
deposit.     Owner's  name  unknown.     Sample  from  several  channels  in  total 


150  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

3-foot  section  exposed  in  creek  bank.  Extent,  20,000  to  40,000  tons. 
Locality  favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Formation,  stream  terrace  deposit. 
Sand  contains  weathered  bond. 

BUREAU    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  113:  SW.  M  sec.  21,  T.  16  N.,  R.  8  E.  One  mile  south- 
east of  Wyanet  sidings  of  the  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  and  the 
Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  railroads.  Worked  by  Golden  and 
Larson,  Wyanet,  Illinois.  Sample  from  several  channels  of  3-  to  4-foot 
pit  section.  Same  as  produced  grade.  Used  for  light  and  medium  gray 
iron  work.  Extent  of  deposit,  160,000  to  400,000  tons.  Formation,  wind- 
blown sand  containing  weathered  bond.  Mantled  by  l}/£  feet  of  leached 
silty  clay,  a  part  of  which  is  added  to  increase  bond.  Produced  sand  a 
combination  of  weathered  bond  and  primary  bond  sand. 

Sample  No.  114:  NE.  y±  NE.  \i  sec.  32,  T.  16  N.,  R.  7  E.  One 
and  one-half  miles  northwest  of  Buda  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and 
Quincy  Railroad  and  one-fourth  mile  west  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern 
Railroad.  Producing  pit  worked  by  Mr.  Lay,  Buda,  Illinois.  Sample 
taken  from  several  channels  of  33^-foot  pit  section.  Similar  to  produced 
grade.  Sand  used  for  light  and  medium  gray  iron  work.  Extent,  40,000 
to  200,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  containing  weathered  bond. 
Capped  by  one-foot  layer  of  silty  clay.  Very  little  top  clay  added  to 
this  sample. 

Sample  No.  115:  Location  same  as  No.  114.  Sample  taken  from 
loaded  car.  A  heavier  grade  than  No.  114,  produced  from  same  weathered 
bond  sand  in  addition  to  the  silty  clay  capping. 

Sample  No.  116:  NW.  K  sec.  35,  T.  16  N.,  R.  7  E.  One  mile  east 
of  Buda  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  Railroad.  Worked 
by  Jesse  Westervilt,  Buda,  Illinois.  Sample  of  produced  grade,  taken 
from  several  channels  in  3-foot  pit  section.  Used  for  medium  gray  iron 
work.  Extent,  60,000  to  90,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  con- 
taining weathered  bond.  Capped  by  one  foot  of  leached  silty  clay.  Prac- 
tically no  clay  added  to  sample.  Heavier  grades  may  be  produced  by 
addition  of  silty  clay. 

Sample  No.  117:  Location  same  as  No.  116.  Sample  taken  from 
single  hole  dug  into  upper  two  feet  of  3j^-foot  section  200  yards  from 
pit  face.    Similar  in  texture  to  No.  116. 

CASS    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  138:  Location  same  as  No.  143.  Sample  taken  from 
bin  of  Electric  Wheel  Company,  Quincy,  Illinois.  Used  for  medium 
gray  iron. 

Sample  No.  143:  Sec.  20,  T.  17  N.,  R.  11  W.  One-half  mile  to 
Arenzville  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  Railroad.  Worked 
by  G.  Nicol  and  Son,  Collinsville,  Illinois.  Sample  from  several  channels 
in  coarsest  phase.  A  possible  grade.  Extent  of  entire  deposit  50,000  to 
120,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  containing  weathered  bond. 
Mantles  lower  portion  of  slope  of  east  valley  wall  of  Illinois  River.     Some 


SUMMARY CLINTON  COUNTY  151 

parts  of  section  contain  finer  and  coarser  material  interbedded  and  hence 
some  produced  sands  are  combinations  of  weathered  bond  and  primary 
bond  sands.  The  primarily  bonded  fine  sands  and  silts  which  occur  high 
on  the  slope  are  calcareous. 

Sample  No.  144:  Location  same  as  No.  143.  Sample  taken  from 
several  channels  of  finest  producible  sand  seen  in  this  pit.  Sold  for  light 
gray  iron  and  stove  plate. 

Sample  No.  145:  Location  same  as  No.  143.  A  different  pit  face 
with  a  53^-foot  section.  Upper  4  feet  lime-free;  lower  1%  feet  contain 
lime  concretions.  Whole  pit  face  worked  for  produced  grade.  Sample 
taken  from  several  channels  in  upper  4  feet  of  section. 

Sample  No.  146:  Location  same  as  No.  143.  Sample  from  lower 
lj^  feet  of  pit  section  noted  under  No.  145  is  very  calcareous  and  of  no 
value  for  molding  sand.  This  part  of  section  should  be  kept  out  of  pro- 
duced grades. 

Sample  No.  147:  NE.  34  NW.  M  sec.  27,  T.  18  N.,  R.  11  W.  One- 
eighth  mile  east  of  Bluff  Springs  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy 
Railroad.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  not  known.  Sample  taken 
from  several  channels  in  2-  to  4-foot  section  exposed  in  roadcut.  Extent 
14,000  to  35,000  tons.  Origin  of  sand  same  as  deposit  listed  under  No. 
143.  Finer  textural  phases  shown.  Sample  is  mixture  of  some  weathered 
bond  sand  with  much  primary  bond  sand.  Such  a  mix  gives  low  per- 
meability. 

Sample  No.  177 :  Location  same  as  No.  143.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  Eagle  Foundry  Company,  Belleville,  Illinois.     Used  for  stove  plate. 

CLINTON    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  197 :  No  data  on  location.  Sample  sent  in  by  Erne  H. 
Duckman,  Keyesport,  Illinois. 

COOK    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  10:  NE.  %  SW.  \i  sec.  9,  T.  42  N.,  R.  9  E.  Five  miles 
southwest  of  Barrington.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner,  Henry  Louis. 
Sample  taken  from  several  channels  of  total  3-foot  section.  Overlain 
by  3  to  4  feet  of  sharp  sand.  Extent,  12,000  to  20,000  tons.  Locality 
favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Formation,  windblown  sand,  capping 
hilltop.    Contains  weathered  bond. 

FAYETTE    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  37:  Location  same  as  No.  164.  Sand  from  same  part 
of  deposit  as  No.  164.  Sample  taken  from  bins  of  National  Malleable 
Company,  Chicago,  Illinois.    Used  for  heavy  castings. 

Sample  No.  161:  SW.  M  NW.  K  sec.  32,  T.  7  N.,  R.  1  E.  Adjacent 
to  siding  on  spur  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Unworked  deposit.  State 
Prison  Farm,  Vandalia,  Illinois.  Sample  from  single  channel  of  total 
9-foot  section.  Extent,  50,000  to  200,000  tons.  Formation,  Illinoian 
fluvio-glacial  sands  containing  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  162:  Location  same  as  No.  161.  Sample  from  several 
channels  in  upper  5  feet  of  total  9-foot  section. 


152  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Sample  No.  163:  SW.  M  SW.  M  sec.  32,  T.  7  N.,  R.  1  E.  One- 
eighth  mile  from  siding  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Worked  by  P.  and 
H.  McKinney  Company,  Vandalia,  Illinois.  Sample  is  pit  run  from  15- 
foot  section.  Extent,  240,000  to  600,000  tons.  Sand  used  for  heavy  gray 
iron  work.  Formation,  Illinoian  fluvio-glacial  sands  containing  weathered 
bond. 

Sample  No.  164:  SE.  H  NE.  Y±  sec.  14,  T.  6  N.,  R.  1  E.  One- 
half  mile  southwest  of  Bluff  City  siding  of  Vandalia  Railroad.  Worked 
by  Eugene  Stultz,  Mulberry  Grove,  Illinois.  Produced  for  medium  gray 
iron  work.  Sample  from  several  channels  in  3-foot  section.  Extent, 
20,000  to  100,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  capping  east  valley 
wall  of  Kaskaskia  River.    Contains  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  165:  Location  same  as  No.  164.  Produced  for  heavy 
gray  iron  work.  Sample  taken  from  several  channels  in  lower  5  feet  of 
9-foot  section.  Upper  4  feet  extremely  heavy  sand.  Extent,  80,000 
to  380,000  tons.  Formation,  Illinoian  fluvio-glacial  sands  containing 
weathered  bond.  Exposed  in  bluff  at  lower  elevation  than  deposit  from 
which  No.  164  was  taken. 

Sample  No.  169:  SW.  \i_  NE.  M  sec.  32,  T.  6  N.,  R.  1  W.  Two 
miles  east  of  Mulberry  Grove,  one-half  mile  east  of  siding  on  Vandalia 
Railroad.  Worked  by  Coarse  Red  Molding  Sand  Company,  Mulberry 
Grove,  Illinois.  Sample  of  produced  grade,  taken  from  partially  loaded 
cars.  Production  for  heavy  gray  iron  work.  Pit  section  7  to  10  feet. 
Extent,  52,000  to  100,000  tons.  Formation,  Illinoian  fluvio-glacial  sands 
containing  weathered  bond. 

GALLATIN    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  190:  S.  y2  sec.  21,  T.  9  S.,  R.  9  E.  One  mile  east  of 
Junction  sidings  of  Louisville  and  Nashville  and  Baltimore  and  Ohio 
railroads.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  taken 
from  several  channels  in  upper  2  feet  of  total  6-foot  section,  exposed  in 
roadcut.  Extent  of  this  grade,  40,000  to  200,000  tons.  Locality  favorable 
for  other  deposits.  Formation,  windblown  sands  mantling  west  slope 
of  Shawneetown  Hills.    Sands  contain  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  191:  Location  same  as  No.  190.  Sample  taken  from 
lower  4  feet  of  total  6-foot  section.  Directly  underlies  No.  190.  Extent 
of  this  grade,  80,000  to  500,000  tons. 

HANCOCK    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  137:  W.  Y2  NE.  \i  sec.  2,  T.  7  N.,  R.  7  W.  One-eighth 
mile  east  of  Dallas  City  siding  of  Santa  Fe  Railroad.  Worked  by  Purity 
Molding  Sand  Company,  Dallas  City,  Illinois.  Sample  taken  from  par- 
tially loaded  car.  Grade  "No.  2."  Extent,  12,000  to  20,000  tons.  For- 
mation, windblown  sands  and  silt  on  slope  of  east  valley  wall  of  Mis- 
sissippi River. 

Sample  No.  149:  Same  location  as  No.  137.  Sample  taken  from 
bin  of  Brass  Foundry  Company,  711  S.  Adams  St.,  Peoria,  Illinois.  Used 
for  brass  work. 


SUMMARY HENDERSON  COUNTY  153 


HENDERSON    COUNTY 


Sample  No.  86:  Location  same  as  No.  133.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  Marseilles  plant,  East  Moline,  Illinois.    Used  for  medium  gray  iron  work. 

Sample  No.  101:  Location  same  as  No.  133.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  Frank  Foundries,  Moline,  Illinois.     Used  for  medium  gray  iron  work. 

Sample  No.  128:  NW.  M  NE.  M  sec.  15,  T.  10  N.,  R.  5  W.  One- 
fourth  mile  east  of  Gladstone  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy 
Railroad.  Worked  by  W.  H.  Graham.  Total  pit  section  16  feet.  Sample 
taken  from  lower  5  feet  of  section.  Slightly  calcareous.  Extent,  16,000 
to  50,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  silt  capping  east  valley  wall  of 
Mississippi  River.     Contains  primarily  deposited  bond. 

Sample  No.  130:  W.  Y2  SE.  Y  sec.  16,  T.  10  N.,  R.  5  W.  One  mile 
south  of  Gladstone  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  Railroad. 
Worked  by  J.  T.  Galbraith.  Sample  from  partially  loaded  car.  Section 
3  to  5  feet  worked.  Used  for  gray  iron  and  brass.  Extent,  24,000  to 
50,000  tons.  Formation,  slope  wash  deposited  at  base  of  east  valley  wall 
of  Mississippi  River. 

Sample  No.  131:  E.  Y2  sec.  11,  T.  10  N.,  R.  5  W.  On  siding  of 
spur  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  railroad.  Worked  by  Monmouth 
Stone  Company.  Sample  taken  from  several  channels  in  total  4-foot  pit 
section.  Extent,  5,000  to  15,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sands  and 
silts  on  hilltops  adjacent  to  Mississippi  Valley. 

Sample  No.  132:  NW.  Y  SE.  Y  sec.  20,  T.  10  N.,  R.  5  W.  Two 
miles  southwest  of  Gladstone  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy 
Railroad.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  taken 
from  several  channels  in  2-  to  3-foot  section.  Extent,  3,000  to  8,000  tons. 
Locality  favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Formation,  windblown  sand  in 
dune  on  valley  flat  of  Mississippi  River.     Contains  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  133:  S.  Y2  NW.  Y  sec.  31,  T.  8  N.,  R.  6  W.  Two  and 
one-half  miles  east  of  Dallas  City  siding  of  Santa  Fe  Railroad.  Worked 
by  Purity  Molding  Sand  Company,  Dallas  City,  Illinois.  Sample  from 
23^-foot  pit  section  used  to  produce  grade  "No.  2  open."  Extent  of 
whole  deposit,  30,000  to  80,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sands  and 
silts  on  slope  of  east  valley  wall  of  Mississippi  River.  Sample  is  com- 
bination of  weathered  bond  and  primary  bond  sands  interbedded  in  the 
section. 

Sample  No.  134:  Location  same  as  No.  133.  Sample  taken  from 
2-foot  pit  section  used  to  produce  grade  "No.  1  open."  Formation,  same 
as  No.  133.    A  less  silty  section. 

Sample  No.  142:  Location  same  as  No.  131.  Sample  taken  from 
bin  of  Gem  City  Stove  Company,  Quincy,  Illinois.  Has  been  used  for 
stove  plate. 

Sample  No.  176:  Location  same  as  No.  133.  Sample  taken  from 
bin  of  Eagle  Foundry  Company,  Belleville,  Illinois.     Used  for  stove  plate. 

HENRY    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  76:  SW.  Y  sec.  2,  T.  17  N.,  R.  1  E.  One-half  mile 
north   of  Colona  siding  of  Chicago,   Rock   Island   and   Pacific   Railroad. 


154  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Worked  by  C.  E.  Oberlaender  and  Company.  Sample  taken  from  several 
channels  in  1-  to  3-foot  pit  section.  Coarser  phase.  Extent  of  deposit, 
12,000  to  20,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sands  and  silts  capping 
top  of  valley  wall  of  Green  River.  Deposit  exceedingly  variable  in  tex- 
ture. All  sands  produced  are  combinations  of  weathered  and  primary 
bond  sands. 

Sample  No.  77:  Location  same  as  No.  76.  Sample  taken  from  single 
hole  dug  in  upper  23^  feet  of  4-foot  section. 

Sample  No.  83:  Location  same  as  No.  76.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  John  Deere  Harvester  Works,  East  Moline,  Illinois.  Used  for  medium 
gray  iron  work. 

Sample  No.  88:  Location  same  as  No.  76.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  Union  Malleable  Companv,  East  Moline,  Illinois.     Sold  as  "No.  5." 

Sample  No.  93:  SW.  M  SW.  M  sec.  11,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  E.  One- 
half  mile  south  of  Colona.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  not  known. 
Total  4-foot  section;  1  foot  coarse  sharp,  1  foot  fine  heavy,  and  2  feet 
coarse  with  medium  bond.  Sample  40  per  cent  sharp  basal  sand  and 
60  per  cent  heavy  top  sand.  Total  extent,  18,000  to  30,000  tons.  Forma- 
tion, windblown  sand  on  valley  flat  of  Green  River.  Contains  weathered 
bond. 

Sample  No.  94:  Same  location  as  No.  93.  Same  section.  Sample 
from  heavy  layer  only. 

Sample  No.  95:  Same  location  as  No.  93.  Same  section.  Sample 
from  several  channels  in  total  4-foot  section. 

Sample  No.  99:  Location  same  as  No.  76.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  Moline  Plow  Company,  Moline,  Illinois.  Sold  as  "No.  6."  Used  for 
medium  gray  iron  work. 

Sample  No.  Ill:  SW.  \i  sec.  10,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  E.  Three  miles 
east  of  Green  River  siding  of  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad. 
Adjacent  to  tracks  of  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad.  Un- 
worked deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  taken  from  several 
channels  of  3-foot  section  exposed  in  roadcut.  Extent,  30,000  to  240,000 
tons.  Locality  favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Formation,  low  terrace 
deposit  in  valley  of  Green  River.  A  waterlaid  sand  containing  primarily 
deposited  sand. 

Sample  No.  112:  SE.  K  SW.  \i  sec.  7,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  E.  Three- 
fourths  of  a  mile  southeast  of  Green  River  siding  of  Chicago,  Rock  Island 
and  Pacific  Railroad.  Abandoned  pit.  Mr.  H.  Stevens,  owner.  Sample 
taken  from  several  channels  in  total  2-  to  4-foot  section.  Extent,  40,000 
to  100,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  on  upper  terrace  of  Green 
River.    Contains  weathered  bond. 

JACKSON    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  182:  SW.  ^  NE.  ]4  sec.  16,  T.  9  S.,  R.  3  W.  Adjacent 
to  Sand  Ridge  siding  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Unworked  deposit. 
Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  from  total  6-foot  section.  Extent, 
60,000  to  480,000  tons.  Formation,  terrace  sand  on  terrace  between  Big 
Muddy  and   Mississippi   rivers.     Contains  weathered  bond  but  also  has 


SUMMARY — JO  DAVIESS  COUNTY  155 

some  layers  containing  primary  bond.     Appears  remarkably  uniform  for 
such  a  large  waterlaid  deposit. 

JO    DAVIESS    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  61:  SW.  M  NW.  M  sec.  9,  T.  27  N.,  R.  1  E.  One- 
eighth  mile  west  of  Aiken  siding  of  Chicago  Great  Western  Railroad. 
Worked  by  Frank  Einsweiler  and  Sons,  Galena,  Illinois.  Sample  taken 
from  several  channels  in  total  3-foot  pit  section  of  finer  phase.  Extent 
of  deposit,  24,000  to  40,000  tons.  Formation,  terrace  sands  of  Mississippi 
River. 

Sample  No.  62:  Location  same  as  No.  61.  Sample  taken  from 
several  channels  in  total  2-foot  pit  section  of  coarser  phase. 

Sample  No.  63:  NW.  y±  NW.  M  sec.  22,  T.  27  N.,  R.  1  E.  One 
mile  southwest  of  Rice  Station  of  Chicago  Great  Western  Railroad.  Un- 
worked  deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  from  single  chan- 
nel in  12-foot  section.  Extent,  200,000  to  1 ,000,000  tons.  Formation,  wind- 
blown, calcareous  silt  or  loess  capping  hilltops.  Contains  primarily  de- 
posited bond. 

KANE    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  2:  SE.  \i  NW.  M  sec.  1,  T.  40  N.,  R.  8  E.  Adjacent 
to  spur  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  Worked  by  J.  G.  Van 
Wicklin.  Sample  taken  from  partially  loaded  car.  Pit  section  3  to  5  feet. 
Extent,  40,000  to  80,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sands  which  mantle 
slope  of  east  valley  wall  of  Fox  River. 

Sample  No.  5:  NE.  J£  SW.  M  sec.  3,  T.  38  N.,  R.  8  E.  One-fourth 
mile  to  North  Aurora  siding  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 
Worked  by  Peter  Hettinger,  North  Aurora.  Sample  taken  from  several 
channels  in  total  4^-foot  pit  section.  Extent,  5,000  to  20,000  tons. 
Formation,  windblown  sand  on  slope  of  east  valley  wall  of  Fox  River. 
Sample  No.  6:  NE.  %  SE.  %  sec.  33,  T.  39  N.,  R.  8  E.  One-third 
mile  north  of  the  Sperry  Company  foundry,  North  Aurora.  Worked  by 
Sperry  Company  for  foundry  use.  Medium  gray  iron  work.  Sample 
taken  from  foundry  bin.  Pit  section  2  to  3  feet.  Extent,  5,000  to  10,000 
tons.     Formation,  windblown  sand  on  terrace  of  Fox  River. 

Sample  No.  7:  SW.  %  NE.  J4  sec.  16,  T.  42  N.,  R.  8  E.  One  mile 
west  of  Carpentersville  siding  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 
Worked  by  Frank  Vogel.  Sample  taken  from  partially  loaded  car.  One- 
to  four-foot  pit  section.  Extent,  8,000  to  30,000  tons.  Formation,  wind- 
blown sands  and  silts  capping  hilltop  near  crest  of  moraine. 

Sample  No.  8:  SW.  \i  NE.  %  sec.  15,  T.  42  N.,  R.  8  E.  Three- 
quarters  mile  north  of  Carpentersville  siding  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern 
Railroad.  Worked  by  Frank  Vogel.  Sample  taken  from  several  channels 
in  several  small  openings.  Pit  sections  1  to  4  feet.  Extent,  15,000  to 
40,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  mantling  slope  of  valley  tribu- 
tary to  Fox  River  valley. 

Sample  No.  38:  Location  same  as  No.  2.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  International  Harvester  Company,  Chicago,  Illinois.  Used  for  medium 
gray  iron  work. 


156  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 


KENDALL    COUNTY 


Sample  No.  19:  NW.  M  NE.  \i  sec.  34,  T.  37  N.,  R.  6  E.  One 
and  one-fourth  miles  south  of  Piano  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and 
Quincy  Railroad.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample 
from  several  channels  in  2-  to  3-foot  sections  exposed  in  hillside.  Bond 
variable.  Extent,  2,000  to  20,000  tons.  Locality  favorable  for  similar 
deposits.    Formation,  windblown  sand  on  slopes  and  ridges. 

LA    SALLE    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  126:  SW.  \i  NW.  M  sec.  14,  T.  33  N.,  R.  2  E.  On 
spur  of  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad.  Silica  sand  pit  worked 
by  Higbee  Canyon  Sand  Company,  Ottawa,  Illinois.  Sample  from  iron- 
stained  cap  rock.  Ordinarily  sold  as  steel  sand.  Bond  and  permeability 
tested  wet  only.    Formation,  St.  Peter  sandstone. 

LAWRENCE    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  195:  NW.  \i  SW.  \i  sec.  3,  T.  3  N.,  R.  11  W.  One 
and  one-fourth  miles  east  of  Lawrenceville  siding  of  Baltimore  and  Ohio 
Railroad.  Deposit  adjacent  to  Baltimore  and  Ohio  right-of-way.  Un- 
worked deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  taken  from  several 
channels  in  total  3-foot  section.  Extent,  30,000  to  120,000  tons.  Locality 
favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Formation,  windblown  sands  on  terrace 
of  Wabash  River.    Contains  weathered  bond  only. 

MADISON    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  172:  NW.  M  SE.  M  sec.  29,  T.  3  N.,  R.  8  W.  One 
mile  north  of  siding.  Worked  by  Commercial  Foundry  Sand  Company, 
Collinsville,  Illinois.  Production  for  light  gray  iron,  brass  and  aluminum 
work.  Sample  taken  from  several  channels  in  2-foot  lime-free  portion 
of  4-foot  pit  section.  Sample  not  a  grade  as  produced  but  is  grade  which 
could  be  produced  in  limited  quantity.  Deposit  variable  in  texture  both 
vertically  and  horizontally.  Extent  of  any  one  grade  impossible  to  esti- 
mate. Sand  of  all  types  20,000  to  60,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown 
sands  and  silts  on  slope  of  east  valley  wall  of  Mississippi  River.  Inter- 
bedded  textures  make  any  sand  produced  a  combination  of  weathered 
bond  sand  and  a  primarily  deposited  bond  sand. 

Sample  No.  173:  Location  same  as  No.  172.  Sample  from  several 
channels  in  2-foot  section  of  calcareous  sand  directly  overlying  the  sec- 
tion represented  by  No.  172.  Sample  not  a  produced  grade.  Total  4-foot 
section  is  worked  for  a  produced  grade.     Formation,  same  as  No.   172. 

Sample  No.  175:  Location  same  as  No.  172.  Coarsest  grade  pro- 
duced. Sample  taken  from  several  channels  of  3-foot  lime-free  pit  sec- 
tion. Not  more  than  2,000  tons  of  this  grade  available.  Formation, 
same  as  No.  172. 

MARSHALL    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  127:  SW.  \i  NE.  \i  sec.  4,  T.  30  N.,  R.  2  W.  Two 
miles  cast  of  Henry  siding  of  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad. 


SUMMARY MCHENRY  COUNTY  157 

Unworked  deposit.  Owned  by  Peter  Hank.  Sample  from  single  dug 
hole  in  upper  2^  feet  of  total  10-foot  section.  Lower  part  of  section 
uniform  with  sample.  Extent,  3,000  to  5,000  tons.  Locality  favorable 
for  similar  deposits.  Formation,  terrace  remnant  on  east  side  of  Illinois 
valley. 

MCHENRY    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  9:  NE..J4  NW.  J£  sec.  34,  T.  43  N.,  R.  8  E.  Adjacent 
to  siding  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  Worked  by  Garden 
City  Sand  Company,  Chicago,  Illinois.  Sample  taken  from  partially 
loaded  car.  Total  pit  section  4  feet.  Extent,  50,000  to  100,000  tons. 
Formation,  windblown  sand  on  Fox  River  terrace. 

Sample  No.  21:  SW.  M  SE.  ^  sec.  16,  T.  43  N.,  R.  8  E.  Adjacent 
to  spur  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern  Railroad.  Unworked  as  molding 
sand  deposit.  Sand  is  overburden  on  gravel  in  pit  of  Consumer's  Gravel 
Company,  Chicago,  Illinois.  Sample  taken  from  several  channels  in  2-  to 
3-foot  section  of  finest  phase.  Extent,  80,000  to  200,000  tons.  Formation, 
windblown  sand  on  gravel  outwash  plain. 

Sample  No.  22:  Location  same  as  No.  21.  Sample  taken  from 
several  channels  in  3-  to  6-foot  section  of  coarsest  phase. 

OGLE    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  54:  S.  %  SE.  Y±  sec.  5,  T.  25  N.,  R.  11  E.  One  mile 
southwest  of  Byron  siding  of  Chicago  Great  Western  Railroad.  Un- 
worked deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  taken  from  2-foot 
section  exposed  in  roadcut.  Lacking  in  bond.  Surface  clay  directly 
overlying  might  be  added  to  increase  bond  strength.  Extent,  5,000  to 
30,000  tons.  Locality  favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Formation,  wind- 
blown sands  capping  east  valley  wall  of  Rock  River.  Contains  some 
weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  55:  W.  Y2  SW.  \i  sec.  7,  T.  23  N.,  R.  11  E.  One- 
eighth  mile  east  of  Honey  Creek  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and 
Quincy  Railroad.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  not  known.  Sample 
from  single  dug  hole  in  total  3-foot  section.  Extent,  60,000  to  120,000 
tons.  Locality  favorable  for  other  deposits.  Formation,  terrace  sands 
on  broad  terrace  of  Kyte  River.  Windblown  sands  containing  weathered 
bond,  mantle  hill  slopes  to  northeast. 

Sample  No.  57:  W.  center  W.  y2  sec.  31,  T.  23  N.,  R.  8  E.  Adjacent 
to  paved  road  five  miles  south  of  Oregon  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington 
and  Quincy  Railroad.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown. 
Sample  from  several  channels  in  total  2-  to  3-foot  section  exposed  in 
roadcut.  Extent,  10,000  to  60,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand 
on  terrace  remnant  of  Rock  River.  Sand  is  derived  fron  St.  Peter 
sandstone  and  contains  weathered  bond. 

PEORIA    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  150:  NW.  \i  SE.  \i  sec.  21,  T.  9  N.,  R.  7  E.  Two 
and  one-half  miles  east  of  Edwards  siding  of  Chicago,   Burlington   and 


158  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Quincy  Railroad.  One-eighth  mile  from  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quiney 
Railroad  right-of-way.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  not  known. 
Sample  is  from  upper  3  feet  of  10-foot  section  of  uniform  texture  which 
is  lower  part  of  25-foot  section  exposed  on  west  valley  wall  of  Kickapoo 
Creek.  The  stratum  from  which  the  sample  was  taken  could  not  be 
worked  alone  because  of  the  overburden  15  to  20  feet  thick.  Extent  of 
total  deposit  100,000  to  200,000  tons.  Formation,  fluvio-glacial  sands  and 
silts  deposited  in  still  water. 

Sample  No.  152:  Location  same  as  No.  150.  Sample  from  calcareous 
upper  3  feet  of  10-foot  section  of  uniform  texture.  This  stratum  over- 
lies that  represented  by  No.  150  and  is  separated  from  it  by  5  feet  of  very 
calcareous  silt.  An  overburden  at  least  5  feet  thick  covers  the  entire 
section  and  increases  to  a  maximum  of  20  feet  back  from  the  section. 
Extent  of  deposit  estimated  on  basis  of  quantity  available  with  5-foot 
overburden. 

Sample  No.  153:  NW.  M  SW.  M  sec.  27,  T.  9  N.,  R.  7  E.  Two 
miles  west  of  Pottstown  siding  of  Chicago,  Burlington  and  Quincy  Rail- 
road. Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  from  sev- 
eral channels  in  upper  4  feet  of  15-foot  section  of  uniform  texture. 
Overburden  from  3  to  8  feet.  Sample  slightly  calcareous,  some  parts  of 
section  very  calcareous.  Extent,  60,000  to  200,000  tons.  Formation, 
fluvio-glacial  sands  underlying  high  terrace  level  of  Kickapoo  Creek. 

Sample  No.  154:  SW.  M  NW.  K  sec.  17,  T.  8  N.,  R.  8  E.  In 
south  part  of  city  of  Peoria.  Worked  by  William  Worm.  Sample  taken 
from  several  channels  in  total  pit  section.  Used  for  heavy  gray  iron. 
Extent,  5,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  in  low  dunes  on  sur- 
face of  terrace  of  Illinois  River.  Occasional  dunes  are  present  on  terrace 
from  Henry  to  Peoria.     Contains  weathered  bond. 

POPE    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  184:  NW.  \i  SE.  %  sec.  2,  T.  14  S.,  R.  5  E.  One 
mile  south  of  Brownfield  siding  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Unworked 
deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  from  uppermost  foot  of  3-foot 
section.  Extent  of  deposit  of  fine  sands  and  silts  180,000  to  1,200,000  tons. 
Considerable  variability  in  clay  and  silt  content  from  place  to  place. 
Formation,  waterlaid  fine  sands  and  silts  in  abandoned  river  channel. 

Sample  No.  185:  Location  same  as  No.  184.  Sample  taken  from 
lower  2  feet  of  3-foot  section. 

Sample  No.  186:  Location  same  as  No.  184.  Sample  from  total 
3-foot  section  in  addition  to  6-inch  surface  layer,  which  contains  little 
or  no  humus. 

Sample  No.  187:  NW.  \i  NE.  \i  sec.  15,  T.  14  S.,  R.  6  E.  Two 
and  one-half  miles  south  of  Homberg  siding  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad. 
Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  from  several  chan- 
nels in  total  3-  to  4-foot  section.  Extent,  5,000  tons.  Locality  favorable 
for  similar  deposits.  Formation,  low  terrace  deposits  of  abandoned  river 
channel. 


SUMMARY — PULASKI  COUNTY  159 

Sample  No.  188:  NW.  Y±  SE.  \i  sec.  4,  T.  14  S.,  R  6  E.  Adjacent 
to  Homberg  siding  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Unworked  deposit.  On 
right-of-way  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Sample  from  several  chan- 
nels in  total  2-foot  section.  Extent,  5,000  tons.  Locality  favorable  for 
similar  deposits.  Formation,  windblown  sand  in  dunes  on  highest  terrace 
of  abandoned  river  channel. 

Sample  No.  189:  NE.  \i  NW.  M  sec.  2,  T.  13  S.,  R.  5  E.  Two 
and  one-half  miles  south  of  Brownfield  siding  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad. 
Part  of  deposit  mentioned  under  No.  184.  Sample  from  single  dug  hole 
in  3-foot  total  section.     Surface  silt  not  included. 

PULASKI    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  183:  NW.  \i  NE.  \i  sec.  22,  T.  15  S.,  R.  1  W.  One- 
half  mile  south  of  Pulaski.  Sample  contains  only  iron  oxide  bond.  From 
deposit  of  no  commercial  value.     Formation,  Tertiary  sands. 

RANDOLPH    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  181:  SW.  \i  NE.  M  sec.  28,  T.  7  S.,  R.  6  W.  Adjacent 
to  Clores  siding  of  WTabash,  Chester  and  Western  Railroad.  Abandoned 
pit.  Owner's  name  not  known.  Sample  taken  from  upper  3  feet  of  7-foot 
section.  Extent,  20,000  to  50,000  tons.  Formation,  interbedded  sands 
and  silts  on  terrace  of  St.  Mary's  River.  "Vegetable"  or  reduced  clay 
bond. 

ROCK    ISLAND    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  78:  W.  Y2  sec.  3,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  W.  Deposit  adjacent  to 
siding  of  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad.  Worked  by  Rock 
Island  Molding  Sand  Company,  Rock  Island.  Sample  taken  from  23^- 
foot  pit  section.  Extent  of  deposit  120,000  to  600,000  tons.  Formation, 
alluvium.  Has  'Vegetable"  or  reduced  clay  bond.  Deposit  subject  to 
the  textural  variations  normal  to  deposits  containing  primarily  deposited 
bond. 

Sample  No.  79:  Location  same  as  No.  78.  Sample  from  dug  hole  in 
2 -foot  section. 

Sample  No.  84:  Location  same  as  No.  102.  Sample  taken  from  bin 
of  John  Deere  Harvester  Works,  East  Moline.  Used  for  light  castings 
and  as  core  filler. 

Sample  No.  85:  Exact  locality  unknown.  Reported  to  come  from 
small  island  in  Mississippi  River.  Was  used  locally  at  one  time.  Locally 
called  "Mud  Island"  sand.  Sample  taken  from  remnant  in  bins  of  John 
Deere  Harvester  Works,  East  Moline.  Formation,  apparently  alluvium. 
Has  "vegetable"  or  reduced  clay  bond.     Bond  primarily  deposited. 

Sample  No.  102:  NE.  \i  NW.  \i  sec.  14,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  W.  One- 
eighth  mile  from  siding  of  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad. 
Worked  by  T.  B.  and  S.  S.  Davis.  Total  section  15  to  20  feet.  Sample 
taken  from  bin  of  Frank  Foundries,  Moline.  Used  for  small  castings 
and  for  core  filler.  Extent  of  deposit,  5,000  to  15,000  tons.  Formation, 
windblown  silts  on  slope  of  north  valley  wall  of  Rock  River.  Bond 
primarily  deposited.     Calcareous  except  at  base  of  section. 


160  MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 

Sample  No.  105:  SW.  \i  NW.  M  sec.  34,  T.  18  N.,  R.  2  W.  On 
the  property  of  and  adjacent  to  Blake  Foundries  Specialty  Company, 
Rock  Island.  Sample  taken  from  lower  3  feet  of  total  7-foot  section. 
Used  for  light  and  medium  castings.  Formation,  alluvium.  Contains 
"vegetable"  or  reduced  clay  bond. 

Sample  No.  106:  NW.  \i  SW.  M  sec.  29,  T.  18  N.,  R.  1  E.  Adjacent 
to  siding  of  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and  Pacific  Railroad.  Worked  by  Rock 
Island  Molding  Sand  Company.  Sample  from  several  channels  in  total 
2-foot  section.  Extent,  10,000  to  60,000  tons.  Formation,  sands  in  ter- 
race remnant  of  old  channel. 

Sample  No.  110:  SE.  y±  SW.  M  sec.  22,  T.  17  N.,  R.  2  W.  One 
and  one-fourth  miles  west  of  Milan.  Adjacent  to  Chicago,  Rock  Island  and 
Pacific  Railroad  right-of-way.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  un- 
known. Sample  from  single  dug  hole  in  3-foot  section.  Extent,  9,000 
to  20,000  tons.  Locality  favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Formations,  fine 
sands  and  silts  on  broad  terrace  of  Rock  River. 

SANGAMON    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  156:  SW.  \i  NE.  M  sec.  4,  T.  17  N.,  R.  4  W.  One- 
fourth  mile  northwest  of  Spaulding  siding  of  Illinois  Central  Railroad. 
Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  from  several  chan- 
nels in  2-  to  3-foot  section,  exposed  in  roadcut.  Extent,  10,000  to  15,000 
tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  capping  east  valley  wall  of  Sangamon 
River.     Contains  weathered  bond. 

ST.    CLAIR    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  180:  NE.  %  SE.  ^  sec.  7,  T.  2  N.,  R.  8  W.  One- 
eighth  mile  from  Caseyville  siding  of  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad.  Owned 
and  worked  by  O.  J.  Long,  Caseyville.  Sample  from  calcareous  lower 
6  feet  of  18-foot  section.  Extent,  10,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown 
silt  or  loess  on  slope  of  east  valley  wall  of  the  Mississippi. 

SHELBY    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  196:  T.  10  N.,  R.  4  W.  Two  and  one-half  miles  north- 
west of  Fancher.  One-half  mile  east  of  Kaskaskia  River.  Forest  Howe, 
owner.  Sample  from  dug  hole  in  23^-foot  section.  Extent,  12,000  tons. 
Formation,  windblown  sand  capping  hilltop.     Contains  weathered  bond. 

TAZEWELL    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  155:  NE.  M  SW.  M  sec.  13,  T.  25  N.,  R.  5  W.  Three 
miles  north  of  Pekin.  One-fourth  mile  east  of  Chicago,  Peoria  and  St. 
Louis  Railroad  right-of-way.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  un- 
known. Sample  from  several  channels  in  2-  to  4-foot  section  exposed  in 
roadcut.  Extent,  200,000  to  500,000  tons.  Locality  very  favorable  for 
similar  deposits.  Formation,  windblown  sand  on  terrace  of  Illinois  River. 
Contains  weathered  bond. 


SUMMARY WHITE  COUNTY  161 


WHITE    COUNTY 


Sample  No.  192:  SE.  Y±  SW.  \i  sec.  8,  T.  5  S.,  R.  10  E.  One  and 
one-half  miles  east  of  Carmi  siding  of  Big  Four  Railroad.  Unworked 
deposit.  Owner's  name  unknown.  Sample  from  total  33^-foot  section; 
XYi  feet  very  heavy,  2  feet  open.  Extent,  42,000  tons.  Several  deposits 
in  locality.  Formation,  windblown  sand  in  dunes  on  terrace  of  Wabash 
River.     Contains  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  193:  NW.  K  SE.  \i  sec.  11,  T.  5  S.,  R.  10  E.  Three 
and  one-half  miles  southeast  of  Simpson  siding  of  Big  Four  Railroad. 
Sample  of  several  channels  in  total  33^-foot  section.  Extent,  40,000  to 
100,000  tons.  Locality  favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Formation  same 
as  No.  192. 

Sample  No.  194:  S.  Y2  sec.  29,  T.  3  S.,  R.  11  E.  One  and  one-fourth 
miles  south  of  Grayville  siding.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner's  name  un- 
known. Sample  from  several  channels  in  2-  to  4-foot  section.  Extent, 
20,000  to  240,000  tons.  Locality  favorable  for  similar  deposits.  Forma- 
tion, windblown  sand  on  terrace  of  Wabash  River. 

WHITESIDE    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  65:  SW.  M  NW.  K  sec.  25,  T.  21  N.,  R.  5  E.  One- 
eighth  mile  west  of  Round  Grove  siding  of  Chicago  and  Northwestern 
Railroad.  Owner,  Clare  Knox.  Lessee,  Garden  City  Sand  Company.  Sam- 
ple from  upper  5  feet  of  total  1 0-foot  pit  section,  calcareous.  Extent,  24,000 
to  50,000  tons.     Formation,  windblown  silt  or  loess  capping  ridge. 

Sample  No.  66:  Location  same  as  No.  65.  Sample  from  calcareous 
lower  5  feet  of  total  10-foot  pit  section. 

Sample  No.  68:  NE.  Y  NW.  M  sec.  32,  T.  21  N.,  R.  4  E.  Three 
miles  north  of  Fenton  siding.  Deposit  adjacent  to  Chicago,  Burlington  and 
Quincy  right-of-way.  Unworked  deposit.  Owner,  Harry  Hanzinga,  Fen- 
ton. Sample  from  several  channels  in  2-foot  section  exposed  in  roadcut. 
Extent,  48,000  to  80,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown  sand  on  southeast 
valley  wall  of  abandoned  channel. 

Sample  No.  69:  Location  same  as  No.  68.  Sample  from  several  sec- 
tions at  higher  level. 

WILL    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  11:  S.  Y2  sec.  18,  T.  32  N.,  R.  10  E.  One-fourth  mile 
from  siding  of  Wabash  Railroad.  Worked  by  Larson  and  Larson.  Sam- 
ple taken  from  partially  loaded  car.  Pit  section  2  to  4  feet.  Extent,  40,000 
tons.     Formation,  sand  terrace  of  Kankakee  River.     Weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  12:  S.  y2  sec.  18,  T.  32  N.,  R.  10  E.  One-eighth  mile 
west  of  Wabash  Railroad  siding.  Worked  by  Riverside  Sand  Company, 
Custer  Park,  Illinois.  Sample  taken  from  partially  loaded  car.  From 
3-foot  pit  section.  Extent,  20,000  to  60,000  tons.  Formation,  windblown 
sand  on  terrace  of  Kankakee  River. 

Sample  No.  13:  Location  same  as  No.  12.  Sample  from  several  dug 
holes  in  2-foot  section.     Formation  same  as  No.  12. 


162  MOLDING    SAND   RESOURCES   OF   ILLINOIS 

Sample  No.  15:  Location  same  as  No.  12.  Sample  taken  from  dug 
hole  in  upper  2  feet  of  4-  to  6-foot  section  underlying  pit  sections  men- 
tioned under  Nos.  12  and  13.  Extent,  10,000  to  15,000  tons.  Formation, 
terrace  sands  of  Kankakee  River.     Contains  weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  39:  E.  Y2  sec.  12,  T.  33  N.,  R.  9  E.  One-eighth  mile 
east  of  siding  of  Chicago  and  Alton  Railroad.  Worked  by  Rockton  Mold- 
ing Sand  Co.,  Rockton,  Illinois.  Sample  taken  from  several  channels  in 
23/2-foot  section  exposed  in  roadcut.  Extent,  32,000  to  120,000  tons. 
Formation,  windblown  sand  mantling  slope  at  east  edge  of  wide  flat. 
Weathered  bond. 

Sample  No.  40:  Location  same  as  No.  39.  Sample  taken  from  sev- 
eral channels  in  2-foot  section  of  second  roadcut. 

WINNEBAGO    COUNTY 

Sample  No.  46:  NE.  Y±  sec.  25,  T.  46  N.,  R.  1  E.  One  mile  south 
of  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railroad  siding.  Worked  by  Rockton 
Molding  Sand  Company,  Rockton,  Illinois.  Sample  taken  from  2-foot  pit 
section.  Extent  of  whole  deposit  50,000  to  300,000  tons.  Formations, 
windblown  sands  on  slope  and  capping  valley  wall  of  Rock  River. 

Sample  No.  47:  Location  same  as  No.  46.  Sample  taken  from  dug 
hole  in  upper  3  feet  of  5-foot  section.     From  upper  slopes. 

Sample  No.  48:  Location  same  as  No.  46.  Sample  from  2-foot  pit 
section  in  abandoned  opening. 

Sample  No.  49:  Location  same  as  No.  46.  Sample  dug  from  3-foot 
pit  section  by  machine.  This  material  is  mechanically  mixed  with  No.  46 
to  form  one  produced  grade. 

Sample  No.  50:  S.  V2  sec.  24,  T.  46  N.,  R.  1  E.  Worked  by  Rock- 
ton Molding  Sand  Company,  Rockton,  Illinois.  Sample  from  lower  6 
feet  of  8-foot  pit  section.  Calcareous.  Extent,  5,000  tons.  Formation, 
windblown  silt  or  loess  on  slope  of  south  valley  wall  of  Rock  River. 

"FOREIGN"    MOLDING    SANDS    USED    IN    ILLINOIS 
ALBANY,    NEW   YORK,    NO.    1 

Sample  No.  180:  Decatur  Malleable  Iron  Company,  Decatur,  Illinois. 
Used  for  bond  renewal  and  for  small  castings. 

ALBANY,    NEW   YORK 

Sample  No.  103:  Rock  Island  Stove  Company,  Rock  Island,  Illinois. 
Used  for  stove  plate. 

Sample  No.  104:  Rock  Island  Stove  Company,  Rock  Island,  Illinois. 
Used  for  stove  plate. 

BAUMAN,    INDIANA 

Sample  No.  25:  Houghland  and  Hardy,  Evansville,  Indiana.  Sample 
from  Greenlee  Brothers,  Chicago,  Illinois. 

Sample  No.  30:  Houghland  and  Hardy,  Evansville,  Indiana.  Western 
Foundry  Company,  Chicago.     Light  brass  and  aluminum  casting. 


SUMMARY — "FOREIGN"  MOLDING  SANDS  163 

BELOIT,    WISCONSIN 

Sample  No.  24:    Greenlee  Brothers,  Chicago.    Used  for  heavy  castings. 

BELOIT,    WISCONSIN,    "NORTHWESTERN" 

Sample  No.  35:  Crane  Company,  Chicago.  Used  for  medium  heavy 
castings. 

CONNEAUT,    OHIO,    "NASH" 

Sample  No.  27:  Western  Foundry  Company,  Chicago.  Used  for 
slightly  heavier  work  than  No.  30. 

BAUMAN,    INDIANA,    AND   CONNEAUT,    OHIO 

Sample  No.  28:  Half  and  half  mix  made  for  some  types  of  work. 
Western  Foundry  Company,  Chicago. 

CONNEAUT,    OHIO 

Sample  No.  91:  Tri-City  Malleable  Company,  Moline,  Illinois.  Not 
suitable  for  malleable  work. 

NEWPORT,  KENTUCKY,    "DYETON" 

Sample  No.  34:     Crane  Company,  Chicago.     Used  for  light  work. 

NEWCASTLE,  INDIANA,    "BRADFORD" 

Sample  No.  33:  Crane  Company,  Chicago.  Used  for  medium  weight 
castings. 

Sample  No.  36:  National  Malleable  and  Steel  Casting  Company,  Chi- 
cago.    Used  for  very  heavy  work. 

RIDGEWAY,  PENNSYLVANIA 

Sample  No.  198:  American  Refractories  Company.  Synthetic  sand 
with  fire  clay  bond.     Sample  sent  in. 

ZANESVILLE,  OHIO 

Sample  No.  29:  Western  Foundry  Company.  Used  for  heavy  cast- 
ings and  for  opener  with  close  sands. 

Sample  No.  32:  Western  Foundry  Company,  Chicago.  Used  for 
medium  work. 

Results  of  Tests 

The  results  of  tests  made  on  samples  collected  during  the  progress 
of  the  molding-sand  investigation  are  given  in  the  following  tables,  30 
and  31. 

Classification  of  Undeveloped  Deposits  of  Illinois  Natural-Bonded 

Molding  Sand 

The  value  of  any  given  molding  sand  deposit  is  determined  by  so 
many  factors  that  its  correct  evaluation  is  difficult.     Assuming  that  the 


164  MOLDING   SAND    RESOURCES   OF    ILLINOIS 

molding  sand  produced  is  of  good  quality,  the  factors  of  extent  of  deposit 
and  distance  to  shipping  point  may  determine  commercial  value,  especially 
in  the  cases  of  undeveloped  deposits.  In  the  cases  of  developed  deposits, 
the  distance  to  shipping  point  is  significant  chiefly  in  pointing  out  the 
probable  limit  of  distance  on  undeveloped  deposits.  The  extent  of  a 
deposit  is  in  some  measure  a  criterion  of  the  possibility  of  long-time  produc- 
tion. This  is  distinct  from  the  long-time  production  of  uniform  grades  of 
molding  sand,  which  is  a  function  of  the  degree  of  variability  of  the 
molding  sand  in  the  deposit.  This  latter  is  discussed  in  a  general  way  in 
Chapter  III  and  is  touched  upon  more  specifically  in  Chapter  IV. 

Even  though  the  extent  of  the  deposit  and  its  distance  from  a  shipping 
point  are  of  basic  importance  when  estimates  are  to  be  made  of  the  value 
of  a  developed  deposit,  it  has  been  deemed  unwise  and  unfair  to  include 
a  classification  of  the  developed  deposits  of  the  State,  because  evaluations 
made  in  this  manner  leave  out  another  basic  factor — the  value  of  the  pro- 
duced sand.  This  factor  is  proportional  to  the  skill  of  the  producer,  for 
when  the  sand  comes  on  the  market,  it  is  judged  not  by  extent  of  the 
deposit  or  distance  from  shipping  point,  but  by  quality.  A  deposit 
relatively  distant  from  a  shipping  point  in  the  hands  of  an  expert  producer 
would  be  a  source  of  considerably  greater  profit  than  an  equally  good  deposit 
on  a  railroad  worked  by  an  unskilled  producer. 

The  classification  of  the  undeveloped  deposits  in  Table  32  is  based 
solely  on  the  distance  to  a  shipping  point,  because  the  factors  of  extent 
and  quality  of  undeveloped  deposits  are  too  highly  problematical  to  justify 
their  use.  The  Class  A  deposits  are  those  one  mile  or  less  from  a  shipping 
point;  and  the  Class  B  deposits  are  those  more  than  one  mile  from  a  ship- 
ping point. 


RESULTS  OF  TESTS 


165 


Table  30.— 

-Results  of  tests  on 

Illinois  molding  sands1 

County* 

Grade  if 
Used 

Screen  Analysis 

S3 
Jjfc 

s: 

M 
-O  S3 

o  £ 

MM 

>> 

'.5 
cd 

CD 
g 

0) 
Oh 

c 
,o 

o. 

u 

Q< 

■j  2!fc 

VUj  <Z 

u-oc 

!-.   S3  vC 

oi  o. 

>» 

6 

i 

S3 

o 

CN 

c 
O 

o 

CN 

c 
O 

© 

S3 

O 

o 

S3 

O 

c 
o 

S3 

O 

o 

S3 

o 

o 
o 

CN 

c 
O 

o 

CN 

S3 

o 

J3 
M 

3 
O 

HcN 

>> 
U 

"c3 
o 

H 

'2 

cd 

np 

Adams.  . .  .  : 

.6 

2.6 

1.6 

1.2 

2.7 

2.4 

75.3 

13.0 

99.4 

II 

231.6 
238.3 
224.9 

3.7 
3.8 
3.6 

1260 

14.3 

4.6 

(Calcium 
carbonate 
present.) 

5? 

Bond 

.1 

.3 

40.3 

21.1 

8.6 

5.1 

1.0 

4.9 

17.6 

99.0 

SI 

81 

in.i 

276.5 

83.6 

69.6 

54.5 

1840 

89.5 

S3 

Bond 

.02 

.6 

39.0 

14.2 

5.1 

4.1 

1.1 

16.7 

18.8 

99.62 

4  f 

6 
8  I 

235  i  2 
210.3 

47.8 
44.0 
37.4 

1360 

19.8 

100 

Bond 

Produced. . 

2.0 

.5 

1.6 

4.7 

31.8 

13.6 

10.2 

4.2 

.9 

8.7 

21.1 

99.3 

Si 

8  I 

314.2 
321.5 
306.5 

92.8 

89.5 
51.2 

3376 

60.5 

166 

Bond 

Possible. .  . 

1.0 

1.4 

4.0 

42.8 

18.6 

8.2 

4.6 

1.4 

3.8 

14.0 

99.8 

4 
6 

8  I 

302.4 

289.1 
212.7 

92.8 
83.5 
56.2 

1768 

32.2 

82.4 

167 

Bond . . 

.6 

.6 

3.4 

31.0 

15.8 

9.8 

11.0 

3.2 

7.6 

16.0 

99.0 

4  f 
8  I 

336.7 

311.1 
292.7 

46.6 
48.6 
30.3 

1872 

30.9 

168 

Bond 

.2 

.4 

.8 

27.8 

15.6 

9.2 

6.4 

.8 

10.0 

28.0 

99.2 

H 

336.6 
325.7 
346.4 

77.6 
78.8 
41.5 

3072 

121.6 

170 

Bond 

2.2 

4.0 

9.8 

18.0 

8.8 

13.8 

3.4 

.8 

13.4 

25.0 

99.2 

4  f 
61 
8  I 

281.0 
303.1 
319.0 

66.3 
86.7 
76.8 

2608 

4.9 

108.0 

171 

Bond 

Possible . .  . 

.2 

3.0 

24.6 

45.0 

1.8 

1.0 

1.0 

.2 

4.0 

1'8.4 

99.2 

4  ( 
6 

8  I 

299.4 
336.6 

326.1 

432.0 

248 . 6 
152.5 

1920 

28.1 

378.7 

179 

Bond 

Produced . . 

.5 

.5 

.9 

2.0 

39.0 

26.2 

6.4 

2.2 

.4 

4.4 

16.4 

98.4 

M 

6^ 
81 

290.0 
278.1 
254.7 

104  i 
96.4 
62.8 

185: 

105.3 

Boone 

.8 

7.2 

37.4 

11.2 

4.6 

3.4 

1.2 

10.4 

23.0 

99.2 

I! 

2060 

43 

329.7 

325.2 

83.5 
58.3 

94.5 

113 

Bureau 

1.0 

34.6 

21.6 

11.0 

7.2 

1.8 

12.0 

10.0 

99.2 

4  f 
6 

8  I 

231.1 

185.3 
147.4 

43.2 

39.2 
26.7 

1720 

25.6 

23.2 

114 

Bureau 

.6 

30.6 

25.8 

10.4 

7.8 

2.4 

9.4 

12.0 

99.0 

4 
6 
8 

283.2 

232.3 

174.4 

64.2 

43.2 
29.9 

2640 

19.8 

28.2 

lis 

Bureau 

.4 

26.8 

22.4 

9.4 

5.8 

1.8 

13.4 

19.0 

99.0 

4  f 

6 
8  1 

245.8 
266.9 
251.0 

50.1 

41.8 
37.4 

2840 

23.8 

116 

Bureau 

1.4 

35.6 

27.8 

10.8 

5.0 

.6 

6.3 

11.6 

99.1 

4  f 

8  ( 

231.7 

183.4 
138.5 

69.6 

54.5 

42.5 

1840 

16.5 

53.9 

117 

Bureau 

2.0 

37.4 

25.4 

11.0 

5.0 

.6 

5.4 

12.4 

99.2 

II 

212.5 

171.0 
133.5 

71.6 

51.2 
36.9 

1404 

45.3 

138 

Cass 

.02 

14.2 

19.2 

14.6 

7.2 

3.3 

26.6 

14.8 

99.92 

4  r 

6 

8  1 

205.9 

192.7 
167.8 

26.9 

19.7 
15.1 

1600 

4.3 

gain 

20.7 

143 

Cass 

29.0 

32.6 

12.0 

7.0 

1.0 

5.6 

12.4 

99.6 

II 

254.8 
179.1 
144.5 

61.1 

47.5 
36.3 

1872 

22.8 

37.7 

1Bold-face  figures  indicate  the  best  developed  bond  strength  and 

2Precise  locations  are  given  on  pages  148-151. 

3Dye  adsorption  tests  by  Mr.  W.  M.  Saunders,  Chairman  Joint 


permeability. 
Committee  on  Molding  Sand  Research. 


166 


MOLDING  SAND  RESOURCES  OF  ILLINOIS 


Table  30. — Results  of  tests  on 

Illinois  molding  sands 

1 — Continued 

County2 

Grade   if 
Used 

Screen  Analysis 

.1 
a;  5 

M 

o  h 

03 

S 

u 

<v 

Oh 

a 

Q 

Q< 

m  a,, 

Cr/>< 

<u  o 

>, 

6 

3 

O 

O 

o 
O 

o 

G 
O 

o 
C 

O 

o 
o 

a 

o 

© 

CI 

O 

o 
o 

e 
O 

o 

o 

bo 

3 
O 

a3 
U 

*c5 
o 
H 

*       % 

o     in  r 
lj     o3  £ 

144 

Cass 

Possible.  .  . 

18. C 

22.  e 

13.8 

12.8 
9.2 

9.0 

5.6 

18.4 

4.8 

20.6 

14.1 

9.4 
11.0 

9.0 

4.2 

15.6 

4.9 

19.0 

11.8 

2.6 
4.6 

3.2 

18.2 
35.6 

26.6 

16.0 

99.6 

il 

198.8 
191.7 
156.6 

19.4 
21.1 

18.3 

1680 

10.6 

145 

Cass 

Possible . .  . 

12.6 

12.5 

99.3 

il 

216.0 

193.3 
173.2 

9.9 

9.3 
9.6 

1408 

8.2 

146 

Cass 

No  Value 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present.) 

1.4 

16.4 
11.0 
13.1 
31.2 
5.0 
27.4 
29.0 
37.8 
45.0 
32  0 

16.4 
11.8 
24.0 
11.3 
21.0 
25.0 

17.0 

99.0 

il 

196.4 

191.9 
189.2 

8.1 
7.7 
8.3 

1240 

__ 

9.3 

147 

Cass 

Possible?. 

2.4 
3.3 
1.4 
3.4 
2.0 

44.0 
14.2 
15.9 

20.0 

99.0 

II 

203.4 
251.1 

231.6 

4.5 

4.3 

4.1 

1904 

4.4 

177 

Cass 

Produced . . 

.02 

9.68 

98.3 

4  f 
6 
8  1 

186.1 

161.7 
132.9 

30.6 

29.5 
24.4 

1376 

26.2 

197 

Clinton 

Possible?.  . 

.3 

.7 

2.4 

26.4 

99.3 

4  f 

6 

8 

270.6 
270.7 
279.3 

56.8 

41.2 

3.8 

1872 

__ 

10.8 

10 

Cook 

Possible.  .  . 

7.4 

22.6 

99.0 

il 

312.7 
322.4 
309.3 

54.2 

43.7 
33.5 

3060 

31.4 

37 

Fayette .... 

Produced. . 

.06 

2.8 

1.8 

15.4 

3.9 

14.5 

98.76 

4  f 
6 
8  ( 

254.1 

224.4 
207.0 

71.6 

53.3 

55.7 

1920 



43.7 

161 

Fayette .... 

Possible .  .  . 

1.2 

.2 

1.6 

.2 

19.8 

23.0 

9.0 

22.0 

7.4 

20.4 
17.0 

6.7 

9.6 

3.0 

13.2 

3.2 

4.2 
8.4 
2.4 

2.0 

9.8 

22.4 

99.5 

il 

8  I 

1856 

319.2 

288.6 

50.0 
57.1 

71.4 

162 

Fayette .... 

Possible . .  . 

2.0 

5.0 

11.0 

99.0 

il 

329.9 

326.0 
314.2 

61.9 

57.3 
49.0 

2720 

55.2 

163 

Fayette .... 

Produced . . 

1.8 

3.8 

.4 

4.2 

14.0 

99.0 

4  f 
8  I 

284.8 
269.4 
220.0 

182.9 

135.7 
104.4 

1440 

110.9 

164 

Fayette .... 

Possible.  .  . 

11.6 

1.2 

1.8 

17.6 

99.4 

4  f 

61 

8  1 

341.3 

321.7 
283.3 

100.3 

92.8 
67.8 

2600 

66.3 

51.2 
39.8 

165 

Fayette .... 

Possible.  .  . 

1.8 

2.8 

7.0 
1.0 

3.0 

1.0 

6.0 

16.0 

99.4 

6  f 

8 

10  1 

315.3 
315.4 
339.9 

50.6 
70.4 

69.4 

2976 

127.1 

169 

Fayette .... 

Produced. . 

6.6 
13.0 

3.8 

.4 

6.4 

20.6 

99.0 

il 

320.7 

301.7 
295.4 

72.0 
80.8 
59.2 

2208 

49.7 

190 

Gallatin. .  .  . 

Possible.  .  . 

9.0 
11.0 

12.0 

5.0 

26.0 

17.0 

99.0 

il 

181.5 

167.9 
153.4 

18.0 

17.5 
15.7 

1120 

8.8 

16.2 

191 

Gallatin. .  .  . 

Possible. .  . 

21.4 

16.0 

13.0 

4.0 

11.4 

22.6 

99.4 

Jl 

333.1 

326.0 
320.6 

31.7 

26.7 
21.4 

2880 

26.9 

137 

Hancock.  .  . 

"No.  2"... 

.2 

1.4 

4.0 

7.0 

6.0 

S3.0 

28.0 

99.6 

4  f 
6 

8  I 

245.0 
282.1 
263.4 

7.5 

7.5 
7.2 

3640 

7.2 

149 

Hancock.  .  . 

Produced.. 

.04 

1    8 

3  0 

3   1 

6  8 

4.4 

54.2 

16.4 

99.74 

4  [ 
6\ 
8 

255.0 
286.5 

257.0 

6.5 

5.4 
4.2 

3072 

6.4 

1 

1 

JBold-face  figures  indicate  the  best  developed  bond  strength  and  permeability. 
2Precise  locations  are  given  on  pages  150-153. 


RESULTS  OF  TESTS 


167 


Table  30 

. — Results  of 

tests 

on  Illinois  molding  sands1 

— Continued 

County2 

Grade  if 
Used 

Screen  Analysis 

c 

a;  y 
cd  in 

;>    ^ 

o  i 

03 
CJ 

s 

c 

G 

c»5 

u*ac 

>. 

d 

O 

e 
O 

o 
tN 

C 

O 

o 
<* 

c 
O 

o 

G 
O 

o 
o 

c 
O 

o 

a 

o 

1 

o 
o 
es 

a 

o 

o 

a 

C 

M 

3 

Jo 

H 
o 
H 

a 

<u  c 
en  t-. 

03  Oh 

86 

Henderson. . 

Produced . . 

.2 

.02 

.4 

11.3 

11.3 

0.6 

11.6 

4.6 

38.2 

11.8 

00.02 

4 
6\ 

8  i 

2i29 

192.1 

12.5 

8.7 
10.9 

1640 

13.4 

101 

Henderson. . 

Produced . . 

.1 

.3 

2.0 

18.7 

12.1 

9.3 

13.0 

5.0 

20.1 

0.4 

00.0 

11 

181.5 
197.8 
173.8 

13.2 

13.0 
12.6 

1480 

11.3 

1?8 

Henderson . . 

.8 

1.6 

6.6 

6.0 

78.2 

5.0 

00.1 

SI 

8  I 

147.0 
169.5 
172.8 

7.1 
7.2 
6.9 

976 

9.0 

(Calcium 
carbonate 
present.) 

no 

Henderson. . 

2.2 

16.0 

13.0 

7.6 

8.2 

2.8 

31.8 

17.6 

00.2 

11 

225.7 
248.9 
221.9 

19.3 

18.1 
15.7 

1680 

11.4 

12.1 

m 

Henderson. . 

14.0 

15.4 

0.0 

7.4 

3.0 

20.4 

21.0 

00.2 

4  f 
6 
8  1 

278.2 
281.3 
266.8 

21.4 
26.7 

21.1 

2870 

11.9 

Henderson . . 

4.2 

32.0 

7.4 

3.4 

8.4 

3.4 

18.2 

22.2 

90.2 

4  f 

8  I 

2040 

n? 

298.0 

269.4 

23.2 

16.5 

14.7 

1  S3 

Henderson. . 

"No.  2 
Open".  . 

5.4 

6.6 

6.3 

11.8 

6.2 

40.4 

22.4 

09.1 

si 

237.2 
250.0 
241.6 

11.6 

10.4 

5.7 

1660 

21.1 

8.4 

134 

Henderson. . 

"No.  1 
Open". . 

.3 

6.2 

12.1 

20,1 

28.3 

7.3 

17.2 

8.0 

00.5 

!( 

188.4 
149.8 
133.6 

23.2 
25.6 
21.8 

1088 

21.3 

14? 

Henderson . . 

13.8 

17.6 

11.0 

11.0 

2.4 

26.4 

16.0 

08.2 

4  f 
6 
8  1 

230.0 

216.2 
188.4 

18.5 
16.0 
14.5 

2256 

18.4 

176 

Henderson . . 

.1 

8.3 

12.3 

14.0 

21.8 

7.6 

27.0 

5.8 

08.7 

!( 

151,5 

147.9 
136.1 

15.9 

14.5 
13.7 

1040 

14.5 

76 

Henry 

23.0 

26.0 

13.4 

11.2 

2.6 

12.8 

10.2 

00.2 

4  f 
8  1 

204.7 

179.1 
159.6 

23.2 
28.5 
24.4 

1320 

17.3 

77 

Henry 

1.6 

27.0 

17.4 

7.4 

4.6 

1.4 

21.0 

18.0 

08.4 

t( 

189.6 
201.7 

186.6 

9.8 
12.2 
13.7 

1280 

7.6 

83 

Henry 

Produced . . 

.1 

.06 

.3 

13.5 

17.4 

12.6 

10.1 

2.0 

27.3 

14.1 

98.36 

4  ' 
6 

8 

222.8 
214.8 
209.7 

15.7 
16.6 

12.6 

1488 

25.7 

13.7 

88 

Henry 

"No.  5"..  . 

.2 

0.5 

15.0 

13.5 

12.0 

5.3 

34.6 

7.6 

98.6 

11 

234.4 

223.1 
191.7 

9.8 
10.2 

8.1 

1712 

11.2 

12.7 

03 

Henry 

Possible? .  . 

2.6 

30.0 

10.6 

15.4 

18.2 

3.4 

7.8 

10.6 

98.6 

il 

209.8 

175.5 
134.4 

35.3 

32.6 
29.6 

1480 

17.9 

44.3 

04 

Henry 

.4 

17.4 

17.8 

18.0 

10.6 

4.0 

10.0 

12.0 

99.2 

11 

198.0 

188.4 
156.6 

36.4 

34.8 
30.9 

1400 

36.8 

OS 

Henry 

5.0 

11.8 

21.6 

28.4 

5.8 

11.0 

14.7 

99.2 

SI 

251.7 
262.4 

228.1 

23.2 
27.8 
20.4 

2224 

29.4 

00 

Henry 

"No.  6". .  . 

.4 

16.4 

25.2 

15.6 

10.0 

3.0 

17.2 

11.4 

99.2 

11 

167.4 

158.7 
136.2 

23.2 
24.5 
20.0 

1280 

.... 

16.4 

^old-face  figures  indicate  the  best  developed  bond  strength  and  permeability. 
2Precise  locations  are  given  on  pages  153-155. 


168  MOLDING  SAND  RESOURCES  OF  ILLINOIS 

Table  30. — Results  of  tests  on  Illinois  molding  sands1 — Continued 


County2 

Grade  if 
Used 

Screen  Analysis 

^  in 

XI 

u 

TJ  S3 
S3   V 

IS 

g 

o 

a 

«5 

u  S3vc 
<u  o  . 
dP3  a 

>» 

6 

O 

c 
O 

o 

n 

O 

o 
O 

o 

c 
O 

o 
o 

c 
O 

o 

a 

O 

o 
o 

a 

o 

o 

CI 

O 

3 

o 
_£° 

V 

15 
o 
H 

3 

PQPL, 

111 

Henry 

3.8 

2.2 

3.4 

5.6 

2.5 

58.0 

23.0 

98.5 

II 

292!  5 

291.0 

6.5 
8.0 

7.7 

3840 

8.2 

11.6 

11? 

Henry 

2.0 

30.8 

31.4 

15.4 

2.4 

4.2 

13.0 

99.2 

il 

269.5 

242.2 
188.7 

49.7 
55.7 
34.4 

2240 

43.3 

18? 

Jackson .... 

15.4 

17.4 

15.6 

17.4 

5.4 

11.2 

16.6 

99.0 

s( 

291.1 

253.4 
224.2 

30. C 
30.9 

28.4 

2520 

19.7 

27.8 

61 

Jo  Daviess . . 

2.0 

6.0 

9.4 

26.4 

9.0 

27.4 

19.4 

99.6 

il 

317.7 

297.8 
287.5 

11.2 
12.2 

10.9 

2680 

17.5 

12.3 

6? 

Jo  Daviess. . 

23.6 

27.0 

18.0 

15.0 

2.6 

4.8 

8.0 

99.0 

II 

220.4 

152.4 
130.7 

52.2 

44.0 
41.8 

1304 

47.6 

63 

Jo  Daviess. . 

Possible 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present) . .  . 

.4 

.5 

1.0 

4.2 

4.2 

69.8 

19.0 

99.1 

4  f 

6  \ 
8    1 

219.2 
256.6 

227.7 

2.6 
3.3 
3.4 

2480 

4.3 

? 

Kane 

1.6 

27.0 

5.8 

3.6 

2.6 

1.4 

29.4 

28.0 

99.4 

4 
6 
8 

310.3 
362.0 

337.3 

20.6 
24.1 

20.4 

4600 

13.7 

5 

Kane 

5.8 

37.4 

13.0 

5.8 

5.0 

1.2 

11.4 

20.0 

99.6 

il 

262.1 

257.5 

245.4 

48.2 
43.2 
38.6 

2304 

45.2 

6 

Kane 

Produced . . 

3.0 

31.2 

11.4 

4.0 

3.6 

1.8 

22.8 

21.4 

99.2 

4    f 

St 

228.5 
271.8 
314.2 

12.1 
20.3 
15.9 

3040 

15.3 

27.8 

7 

Kane 

1.6 

36.7 

16.2 

8.0 

6.1 

1.2 

13.0 

16.6 

99.4 

II 

237.9 

235.4 
223.4 

58.3 
53.3 
40.4 

1872 

43.2 

8 

Kane 

1.4 

23.3 

15.4 

7.6 

6.3 

1.7 

21.4 

21.7 

98.8 

6 
8 
10 

245.3 
288.7 
281.5 

28.8 
32.6 

8.7 

2704 

35.8 

S8 

Kane 

.02 

.04 

4.2 

54.4 

9.2 

2.5 

1.7 

.5 

11.1 

15.1 

98.76 

II 

194.3 
263.3 

166.5 

67.7 
62.7 
44.8 

1112 

9.2 

37.6 

10 

Kendall .... 

1.2 

2.0 

39.4 

20.0 

6.4 

3.4 

.4 

2.8 

23.8 

99.4 

11 

307.9 

258.6 
202.2 

127.8 
96.7 
53.8 

1720 

66.3 

1?6 

La  Salle 

Possible.  .  . 

37.8 

57.2 

2.2 

.6 

.4 

.1 

.1 

1.2 

99.6 

II 

66.9 

63.2 
63.6 

503.2 
503.2 
503.2 

176 

1QS 

Lawrence . . . 

.6 

45.0 

18.0 

5.0 

2.2 

.4 

2.0 

26.0 

99.2 

6    f 
8 
10   1 

305.8 
292.0 
245.4 

83.5 
71.6 
34.2 

1488 

35.5 

53.1 

17? 

Madison..  .  . 

8.4 

25.4 

13.8 

8.8 

2.6 

28.4 

11.6 

99.0 

4    ' 

6 

8 

235.7 

209.5 
188.5 

8.5 
9.1 
9.2 

1672 

9.8 

m 

Madison.. .  . 

Possible 

(Calcium 

carbonate 

present) . . . 

.2 

8.2 

13.0 

8.3 

8.7 

3.8 

45.0 

12.4 

99.6 

II 

267.2 

254.5 
231.0 

6.5 
9.3 
6.7 

2320 

9.2 

175 

Madison..  .  . 

Possible.  .  . 

8.0 

21.8 

12.0 

9.6 

6.1 

25.0 

16.0 

08 .  7 

4    f 
6 

8    I 

259.8 

255 . 5 
232.5 

22.4 

20.2 
19.4 

(3) 

18.7 

1  Hold-face  figures  indicate  the  best  developed  bond  strength  and  permeability. 

2  Precise  locations  are  given  on  pages  155-157. 

3  Sample  No.  175  was  entirely  consumed  in  the  other  tests  and  consequently  no  dye-adsorption  test  could  be  made  of  it. 


RESULTS  OF  TESTS 


169 


Table  30 

. — Results  of 

tests 

on  Illinois  molding  sands1 

— Continued 

County2 

Grade  if 
Used 

Screen  Analysis 

j3 

bo 

-a  c 

>> 

a! 
I 
<u 

Oh 

c 

o 

o-oc 
u  c<: 
a;  o  . 

>. 

6 

O 

e-i 

O 

o 

c 
O 

o 

c 
C 

© 

c 

O 

8 

c 
O 

o 

c 
O 

© 
© 

c 
O 

© 

<N 

c 
O 

43 
M 

O 

>. 
U 

o 
H 

3 
a 

ID    g 

P7 

Marshall .  .  . 

3.8 

15.3 

18.7 

17.3 

2.6 

14.2 

27.2 

99.1 

II 

299.6 
306.1 

31.3 
35.7 

34.3 

2080 

8.8 

31.2 

0 

McHenry. .  . 

1.6 

19.2 

17.2 

12.2 

7.2 

11.7 

16.8 

12.6 

98.5 

6 

8  • 
10 

194.6 
231.6 
251.1 

11.1 
17.4 

15.5 

2840 

13.5 

?1 

McHenry. .  . 

.4 

6.4 

5.0 

5.2 

10.0 

8.8 

38.0 

25.6 

99.4 

II 

285.0 
290.6 
297.6 

11.3 

9:6 
7.6 

3680 

8.5 

McHenry. .  . 

.8 

19.0 

12.8 

7.-4 

10.4 

5.0 

24.0 

19.6 

99.0 

II 

2880 

9? 

301.0 

268.6 

18.3 
15.6 

9.0 

54 

Ogle 

.3 

7.7 

67.8 

6.6 

1.1 

.7 

.2 

6.8 

7.9 

99.1 

8    I 

150.4 

110.5 

125.3 

98.3 
71.6 

1160 

162.7 

ss 

Ogle... 

1.1 

1.8 

4.2 

36.2 

17.0 

5.4 

3.4 

.6 

19.1 

10.6 

99.4 

4    f 
8    1 

253.1 

252.7 
233.6 

30.6 
37.7 

27.9 

1640 

10.5 

17.2 

57 

Ogle 

.04 

7.6 

59.0 

4.0 

1.0 

.1 

.1 

7.0 

20.0 

99.2 

8    I 

290.0 

265.9 
278.9 

156.6 

100.3 
89.5 

2176 

189.2 

150 

Peoria 

Possible . .  . 

.8 

5.0 

22.6 

38.6 

6.8 

15.0 

10.6 

99.4 

II 

141.8 

136.9 
128.0 

21.6 

20.4 
21.6 

976 

2.0 

gain 

20.2 

IS? 

Peoria 

Possible 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present) . .  . 

.7 

2.6 

11.1 

32.6 

10.6 

35.8 

5.0 

98.4 

II 

127.9 
140.9 

140.8 

13.4 
14.9 
14.9 

904 

11.0 

153 

Peoria 

Possible 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present)  .  . 

1.6 

6.4 

13.2 

25.0 

6.8 

36.8 

9.0 

98.8 

II 

151.6 
157.4 
147.1 

9.3 
9.6 
9.8 

920 

16.9 

12.9 

154 

Peoria 

.6 

22.2 

55.3 

3.8 

1.6 

1.8 

.6 

1.4 

11.6 

99.0 

II 

280.5 
284.9 

185.7 

216.0 
251.6 

106.6 

2070 

245.0 

184 

Pope 

.1 

6.2 

9.0 

8.0 

9.6 

4.6 

34.6 

27.2 

99.3 

4    f 
6 

8    I 
10   1 

138.4 
141.5 
168.0 
183.8 

3.6 
3.9 

5.4 
6.8 

560 

7  5 

185 

Pope 

7.8 

11.2 

6.8 

8.4 

22.4 

21.8 

20.2 

98.6 

8    f 
10 
11    i 

268.9 
290.2 
300.0 

12.7 
13.7 
14.4 

1920 

6.7 

186 

Pope 

6.4 

10.6 

6.8 

7.2 

2.6 

24.4 

40.6 

98.6 

6    f 
8 
10 

12    [ 

181.2 
207.9 
219.2 
220.9 

3.9 

7.4 

9.4 

10.2 

1472 

4.8 

6.5 

187 

Pope 

3.0 

15.4 

28.4 

18.2 

6.8 

4.4 

4.0 

1.0 

3.6 

14.4 

99.2 

II 

273.8 
249.6 
233.7 

208.8 
156.6 
104.4 

1120 

113  4 

188 

Pope 

47.0 

18.4 

5.2 

2.0 

.2 

4.0 

22.6 

99.4 

6 

8  • 
10 

282.2 
270.0 
242.3 

69.6 

62.6 
41.2 

1760 

60  5 

180 

Pope 

.2 

1.4 

.6 

1.8 

.5 

1.4 

54.7 

38.4 

99.0 

il 

158.2 
212.0 
214  9 

1.1 
1.5 
1.7 

1008 

4  3 

1  Bold-face  figures  indicate  the  best  developed  bond  strength  and  permeability. 

2  Precise  locations  are  given  on  pages  157-160. 


170 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Table  30 

. — Results  of 

tests 

on  Illinois  molding  sands1 

— Continued 

County* 

Grade  if 

Used 

Screen  Analysis 

i-i  ai 

1>  o 

J3 
o  H 

>> 

D 

a 

u 

<u 

Oh 

c 
.2 
a 

VUJC 

OflC 

in  d* 

>. 

6 

a 
O 

O 

o 

G 
O 

o 
<* 

a 
O 

© 
O 

o 
o 

a 
O 

© 
<* 

a 
O 

o 
o 

a 

O 

o 

a 
O 

J3 
M 

O 

r      ^ 

>> 

a 

U 

o 

1      2 

>     a 

)     w  £ 
j    a  i> 

5    MOU 

183 

Pulaski 

.6 

2.8 

23.0 

54.0 

5.4 

3.4 

10.0 

99.2 

4    f 
6  { 
8    I 

188.0 
143.9 
116.4 

41.8 

36.8 
33.4 

1360 

21.5 

40   1 

181 

Randolph. . . 

1.4 

1.0 

1.2 

3.4 

15.0 

7.8 

43.2 

26.1 

99.1 

J( 

199.1 
241.4 

226.3 

6.6 
7.3 
9.6 

2208 

10  3 

78 

Rock  Island. 

5.1 

9.4 

18.5 

22.8 

9.6 

26.0 

7.4 

98.8 

n 

190.8 
197.2 
199.1 

10.3 
10.3 

10.0 

2976 

9.3 

17  0 

•79 

Rock  Island. 

2.4 

8.8 

7.6 

11.4 

17.8 

5.6 

25.4 

20.0 

99.0 

4    f 
6 

8    1 

203^7 
213.4 

14.3 
14.5 

11.0 

2520 

12  0 

84 

Rock  Island. 

"Black- 
hawk" 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present) . .  . 

.1 

.04 

1.3 

7.5 

4.2 

4.8 

11.0 

7.7 

57.8 

4.7 

99.14 

4    f 

6 

8    [ 

151.9 
156.3 
160.7 

8.0 
8.4 
8.4 

1008 

10.3 

85 

Rock  Island. 

"Mud 
Island".. . 

.1 

.3 

.3 

2.7 

13.5 

21.9 

17.6 

3.8 

24.2 

14.8 

99.2 

4    f 
6 

8    I 

241.8 
270.4 

255.0 

18.1 

16.9 
15.5 

2800 

14.5 

15.7 

102 

Rock  Island. 

"Black- 
hawk" 
(Calcium 
carbonat-e 
present) .  .  . 

.6 

.8 

1.2 

4.2 

4.4 

78.8 

9.7 

99.7 

8    1 

181.3 
197.8 

173.8 

4.1 

4.4 

4.7 

2176 

1.9 

gain 

6  5 

10S 

Rock  Island. 

.02 

1.1 

16.0 

27.0 

22.9 

4.0 

16.7 

11.2 

98.92 

4    f 
6 
8    ( 

208.6 

202.0 
183.3 

20.2 

17.4 
15.9 

2240 

20.5 

106 

Rock  Island. 

1.2 

5.6 

20.0 

35.4 

7.4 

3.4 

1.8 

.8 

6.2 

17.6 

99.4 

il 

209.9 
232.3 

215.8 

32.2 
38.6 
45.6 

1072 

50.1 

110 

Rock  Island. 

1.2 

9.8 

7.1 

7.4 

11.8 

19.8 

33.8 

8.2 

99.1 

8    1 

236.4 
271.4 

261.8 

4.4 
4.6 

4.7 

2240 

7.7- 

8.4 

1S6 

Sangamon.  . 

5.0 

47.0 

17.6 

7.0 

4.4 

.4 

1.4 

16.2 

99.0 

4    ' 
6 

8 

321.3 

301.3 
243.6 

147.7 

104.4 
92.8 

2080 

92.4 

180 

St.  Clair 

Possible 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present) 

.2 

.2 

.2 

.8 

.8 

89.0 

8.2 

99.4 

il 

145.0 
186.0 
172.6 

4.3 
4.5 
4.7 

1408 

5.0 

5.1 

106 

Shelby 

11.4 

48.8 

7.4 

3.2 

2.8 

.6 

.8 

24.6 

99.6 

10    ( 

361.6 
358.2 
370.2 

188.3 
98.6 
124.0 

3104 

25.0 

232.0 

1  ss 

Tazewell.  . 

.6 

15.2 

19.0 

15.2 

9.2 

1.6 

13.8 

24.6 

99.2 

il 

238.7 
252.4 
215.9 

22.7 
26.1 
19.2 

1888 

4.1 

31.7 

10? 

White 

24.6 

33.4 

12.2 

5.4 

.6 

4.0 

19.0 

99.2 

il 

306.9 

284.3 
254.4 

70.2 

63.9 
45.8 

2240 

21.8 

S3. 3 

10S 

White 

23.2 

23.2 

18.2 

15.2 

2.4 

3.8 

11.0 

97.0 

il 

247.7 
210.6 
151.9 

46.8 
39.3 
40.2 

1440 

43.9 

104 

White..... . 

Possible    .  . 

7.0 

22.0 

23.0 

21.4 

4.4 

5.0 

16.6 

90.4 

il 

315.9 
323.3 

283.7 

42.4 

41.2 

37.9 

2208 

14.5 

31.3 

. 


1  Bold-face  figures  indicate  the  best  developed  bond  strength  and  permeabili 

2  Precise  Locations  are  given  on  pages  150-162. 


ty- 


RESULTS    OF    TESTS 


171 


Table  30. — Results  of  tests  on  Illinois  molding  sands1 — Continued 


County2 

Grade  if 
Used 

Screen  Analysis 

c 
IDS 

M 

-o  c 
o  h 

<u 

s 

a 

q3 

»5 

>. 

6 

C 

O 

a 

o 

o 

c 
O 

o 

a 

O 

o 

c 
O 

o 
o 

a 
O 

o 
<* 

G 
O 

o 
o 

CM 

s 
O 

o 

EN 

c 
O 

M 
O 

>> 

o 
H 

int. 

CJTJ© 

•-  S^ 

<V  O  j, 

cum  ta 

2 

cd 

<v 

«  S3 

PQCu 

65 

Whiteside. . . 

Possible 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present) . .  . 

11.0 

18.0 

13.4 

14.0 

5.4 

30.8 

6.8 

99.4 

•1 

154.1 

138.3 
143.3 

12.2 
12.9 
13.4 

1024 

16.4 

66 

Whiteside. . . 

Possible .  .  . 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present) . . . 

11.0 

11.8 

8.8 

13.0 

7.0 

39.2 

8.2 

99.2 

il 

247.4 

172.2 
154.2 

8.1 

9.0 

10.0 

1240 

32.2 

13.6 

68 

Whiteside. . . 

3.9 

13.0 

12.8 

23.8 

8.2 

26.0 

12.2 

99.9 

4  r 

6 

8    [ 

275.6 
322.9 

302.4 

15.3 

14.7 
13.6 

2680 

14.9 

6Q 

Whiteside. . . 

Possible.  .  . 

2.2 

10.8 

17.0 

25.0 

8.2 

20.6 

15.4 

99.2 

11 

245.0 

222.6 
196.1 

13.7 
14.1 

13.9 

1504 

15.5 

11 

Will 

.6 

19.2 

19.0 

13.2 

17.2 

6.2 

12.2 

11.2 

98.8 

11 

241.9 

212.2 
165.0 

32.2 

28.1 

23.4 

1556 

27.9 

1? 

Will 

.8 

19.0 

16.0 

11.9 

15.6 

5.2 

11.6 

19.0 

99.1 

il 

162.1 
166.2 

136.9 

21.5 
23.4 

22.0 

1072 

13.9 

14.1 

13 

Will 

12.8 

14.2 

15.8 

10.4 

8.4 

28.8 

9.0 

99.4 

4    f 
6 

8    1 

131.7 
133.7 

127.3 

11.0 
12.6 
13.6 

304 

14.4 

15 

Will 

Possible.  .  . 

.7 

51.5 

23.3 

6.4 

4.2 

.5 

.6 

11.8 

99.0 

4    f 
6 

8    I 

267.4 

200.2 
124.4 

139.2 

96.4 
67.8 

1744 

99.9 

Will 

Possible.  .  . 

.2 

1.8 

6.4 

38.0 

13.4 

6.6 

4.6 

1.0 

7.0 

20.0 

99.0 

11 

1904 

.SO 

253.2 

248.0 

72.4 

51.2 

88.6 

40 

Will 

Possible.  .  . 

.4 

4.4 

33.0 

16.0 

7.0 

5.4 

7.0 

6.8 

19.0 

99.0 

il 

243.9 
270.1 

237.4 

79.8 
73.9 
36.8 

2080 

5.1 

87.0 

46 

Winnebago.. 

Possible .  .  . 

.4 

25.6 

27.6 

8.8 

7.0 

.8 

13.0 

16.8 

99.2 

il 

319.0 

305.0 
299.5 

50.1 

41.8 
33.9 

2504 

52.6 

47 

Winnebago.. 

.3 

29.0 

17.0 

8.0 

7.0 

1.6 

12.8 

22.8 

98.5 

il 

308.6 
316.7 
338.4 

14.0 
16.2 
17.9 

4272 

36.9 

48 

Winnebago.. 

.2 

10.8 

8.2 

5.4 

4.6 

2.4 

40.2 

27.6 

99.4 

4    f 
6 
8    I 

m!<5 

184.3 

6.0 

9.4 

10.6 

840 

13  2 

4Q 

Winnebago.. 

.6 

12.4 

11.0 

6.8 

5.8 

2.7 

39.6 

20.4 

99.3 

11 

261.5 
271.5 
289.4 

7.9 
14.2 
15.5 

3440 
2480 



14.1 

.SO 

Winnebago.. 

Possible 
(Calcium 
carbonate 
present) 

3.0 

2.8 

2.4 

5.8 

5.0 

69.4 

11.0 

99.4 

11 

258.0 

243.3 
231.9 

4.4 

4.2 
3.9 

5    1 

1  Bold-face  figures  indicate  the  best  developed  bond  strength  and  permeability. 

2  Precise  locations  are  given  on  pages  161-162. 


172 


MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


Table  3 1 . — Results  of  tests  on 

"imported"  sands  used  in  Illinois1 

Location2 

Grade  if 
Used 

Screen  Analysis 

s 

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at 

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0) 

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>    to  C 
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103 

Albany, 
N.  Y. 

Produced . . 

.5 

6.7 

7.4 

13.9 

21.5 

7.5 

22.1 

19.6 

99.2 

i( 

145.3 
171.0 

148.4 

8.9 
13.3 
13.8 

240 

8.9 

15.2 

104 

Albany, 
N.  Y. 

1.5 

4.9 

8.8 

21.4 

13.7 

37.4 

11.2 

98.9 

if 

164.8 

153.6 

10.0 
11.6 
12.3 

500 

2.6 

0   6 

160 

Albany, 
N.  Y. 

"No.  1". .  . 

.2 

1.3 

2.9 

9.5 

29.0 

15.9 

34.4 

5.9 

99.1 

II 

140.3 
144.2 
146.0 

15.5 

13.7 

14.2 

320 

14  9 

?S 

Bauman, 
Ind. 

.06 

.04 

.02 

.04 

.04 

72.8 

24.8 

97.8 

a 

240.9 
263.7 

247.6 

2.0 

2.2 
2.8 

1776 

6.2 

3   1 

.SO 

Bauman, 
Ind. 

.02 

.02 

.04 

.4 

.7 

1.3 

5.5 

4.9 

70.2 

15.2 

98.28 

n 

165.3 
202.2 
207.6 

2.8 
3.7 
4.2 

1080 

2.3 

8  9 

24 

Beloit.Wis.. 

.04 

2.6 

41.3 

16.9 

6.6 

3.9 

.1 

13.4 

13.0 

97.84 

it 

233.2 

220.2 
171.0 

45.7 
34.8 
18.3 

1776 

40.9 

35 

Beloit,  Wis. . 

"North- 

.06 

.1 

1.1 

19.5 

8.9 

4.3 

3.0 

1.3 

33.2 

28.2 

99.66 

?( 

264.9 
270.8 
303.7 

17.3 
16.3 
30.6 

3480 

11.1 

27 

Conneaut, 
Ohio 

"Nash" 

.4 

.3 

.5 

3.9 

8.0 

26.1 

24.8 

3.7 

20.8 

10.1 

98.6 

4    f 

6  \ 

8    [ 

isi.i 

147.8 

11.7 
16.2 
19.0 

840 

5.4 

16.1 

28 

[Bauman, Ind 
>  Conneaut, 
{    Ohio 

\  Foundry 

J      Mix 

.02 

.1 

.2 

1.4 

3.5 

10.8 

9.1 

1.9 

59.3 

12.6 

98.92 

il 

168^5 
177.2 

3.9 
4.6 
5.3 

912 

5.3 

Conneaut, 
Ohio 

.04 

1.2 

2.6 

4.4 

11.1 

6.4 

60.8 

13.0 

99.54 

4    f 
6  { 
8    { 

480 

91 

254.2 
228.1 

7.7 

7.3 

6.2 

34 

Newport, 
Ky 

"Dyeton" 

.06 

.04 

.07 

2.2 

2.8 

7.0 

5.6 

59.0 

21.3 

98.7 

if 

188.4 
204.0 
233.8 

3.3 
4.0 
4.5 

1320 

7.2 

33 

Newcastle, 
Ind. 

"Bradford" 

11.7 

1.9 

5.0 

3.4 

18.6 

7.8 

5.6 

5.3 

1.4 

17.7 

20.7 

99.1 

!( 

294.2 
301.7 
316.2 

12.5 
16.5 
30.7 

1640 

35.4 

36 

Newcastle, 
Ind. 

"Bradford" 

2.6 

2.2 

3.9 

8.7 

26.0 

7.9 

4.8 

4.6 

1.6 

16.8 

19.4 

98.5 

SI 

330^3 
351.9 

44.8 
58.3 
64.3 

1408 

37.3 

75.0 

198 

Ridgeway, 
Pa. 

18.0 

50.0 

6.0 

2.6 

3.0 

.4 

7.4 

12.0 

99.4 

il 

149.0 
151.7 
165.6 

25.5 
52.4 
61.9 

440 

11.6 

23.0 

?Q 

Zanesville, 
Ohio 

.6 

1.9 

9.8 

49.8 

8.6 

3.0 

1.1 

2.4 

11.4 

11.2 

99.8 

il 

231.3 

197.4 
135.8 

77.5 
63.2 
35.1 

880 

33.3 

142.4 

3? 

Zanesville, 
Ohio 

.7 

.6 

1.9 

18.4 

10.7 

6.7 

5.7 

2.7 

35.6 

16.1 

99.1 

il 

10  1 

145.4 
166.7 
202.1 
220.4 

20.4 

15.9 
11.1 
9.7 

920 

16.1 

1  Bold-face 

2  For  furth: 


figures  indicate  the  best  developed  bond  strength  and  permeability, 
r  inform  ition  regarding  location,  see  pages  162  and  163. 


CLASSIFICATION    OF   DEPOSITS 


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MOLDING    SAND    RESOURCES    OF    ILLINOIS 


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INDEX 


Accumulation     of     natural-bonded 

molding  sands,  processes  of . . .  .55-57 

Acknowledgments 19 

Adams  County,  loess  in 62 

molding  sand  resources  of 

62,99-100,  148-149 

test  on  molding  sands  in 165 

Aiken,  molding  sand  deposits  near. . 

117-118,  155 

Air    flow,    for    permeability    tests, 

measurement  of 40 

Albany,  New  York,  tests  on  molding 

sands  from 45-48,  50,  162,  172 

Alexander  County,  ganister  deposits 

in 100 

molding  sand  deposits  in 100 

Algonquin,  fineness  graph  of  molding 

sand  from  pit  near 82 

microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  pit  near 83 

molding  sand  deposit  near 126 

Alluvial  deposits,  agents  producing. .        61 

suitability  for  molding  sand 61,  95 

American     Foundrymen's    Associa- 
tion, cooperation  of 16 

American     Refractories     Company, 

sample  of  molding  sand  from.  .      163 
American  Silica  Sand  Company,  pit 

of 124 

Arenzville,  fineness  graph  of  molding 

sand  from  pit  near 82 

molding  sand  pits  near 109-110 

Ashton,  molding  sand  deposit  near. 

126,  173 

Athy,  L.  F.,  assistance  of 19 

Auger   borings   for   sand   investiga- 
tions, use  of 20 

Aurora,  molding  sand  pit  near 121 


B 


Ballou  White  Sand  Company,  pit  of     122 
Barrington,   molding  sand  deposits 

near 110,  151,  173 

Base  permeability,  factors  determin- 
ing  44-48 


PAGE 

function  of 43-44 

relation  to  origin 68 

tests  of 50,  51,  52 

use  of  tests  of 17 

Bauman,  Indiana,  tests  on  molding 

sands  from 162,  172 

Beloit,  Wisconsin,  tests  on  molding 

sands  from 163,  172 

Bellrose  Standard  Silica  Company, 

pit  of 125 

Benedict,  B.  W.,  cooperation  of .  .  .  .        19 
Benson  Brothers  Sand  Company,  pit 

of 124 

Blake  Company,  pits  of 137 

Blanding,     molding    sand    deposits 

near 118 

Blake    Foundries    Specialty    Com- 
pany, sample  of  molding  sand 

from 160 

Bluff   City,   molding  sand   deposits 

near 103 

pit  near 152 

Bluff    Springs,     fineness    graph    of 

molding  sand  from  deposit  near       82 
microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  pit  near.  .  . 84 

molding  sand  deposits  near 

110,  151,  173 

Bond  County,  loess  deposits  in 65 

molding  sand  deposits  of 

66,  100-106,  149 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 165 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 60 

Bond  strength,  factors  affecting. .  .  . 

22-30,  49,  50 

function  of 22-23 

relation  to  origin  . 67 

Boone    County,    molding   sand    de- 
posits in 64,  106-107,  149-150 

test  on  molding  sands  in 165 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Brass  Foundry  Company,  sample  of 

molding  sand  from 152 

Brownfield,   molding  sand   deposits 

near 133-135,  158,  159,  174 


(175) 


176 


INDEX — Continued 


Buda,  microphotograph  of  molding 

sand  from  pit  near 83 

molding  sand  pit  near 71 

Bureau   County,   molding  sand  de- 
posits of 64,  107-109,  150 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 165 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

Byron,  molding  sand  deposits  near 

130,  157,  174 


Camilla     Sand     Mines     Company, 

molding  sand  deposits  of 114 

Capron,  molding  sand  deposits  near 

. 106-107,  149-150,  173 

Carmi,  dune  sand  deposits  near.  .  .63,  142 
microphotograph  of  sand  near.  .  .        78 
molding  sand  deposit  near.  .  .  .161,  174 
Carpentersville,    molding   sand    de- 
posits near 119,  155 

Carroll  County,  molding  sand  pits  in     109 
Caseyville,  fineness  graph  of  molding 

sand  from  deposit  near 79 

microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  deposit  near 81 

molding  sand  deposit  near 160 

Cass  County,  molding  sand  deposits 

in 62,  109-110,  150-151 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 165-166 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Cattail  slough,  sand  deposits  in ...  .      144 

Chemical  analysis,  value  of 53 

Chicago  Foundrymen's  Association, 

cooperation  of 19 

Classification  of  molding  sands 

69,  75-94,  96-98 

based  on: 

clay  content 91 

durability 93 

optimum  water  content 86-87 

origin 87-91 

silt  content 91-93 

use  of .        94 

Classification  of  undeveloped  mold- 
ing sand  deposits..  .  163-164,  173-174 

Clay  bond,  formation  of 57-60 

(lay  in  molding  sand,  effect  of 

23,  30-32,  33-34,  41 


PAGE 

Clinton  County,   molding  sand  de- 
posits in 151 

test  on  molding  sands  in 166 

Clores,  molding  sand  deposit  near.  . 

135,  159,  174 

Coarse    Red    Molding    Sand    Com- 
pany, pit  of 103,  152 

Cohesiveness  test,  description  of .  .  . 

26-29,  30 

Colli nsville,  fineness  graph  of  mold- 
ing sand  from  pit  near 82 

molding  sand  deposit  near 156 

Colona,  molding  sand  deposits  near 

116,  153-154,  173 

Color  of  molding  sand,  effect  of .  .  .  .        51 
relation  to  origin 68 

Commercial    Foundry    Sand    Com- 
pany, fineness  graph  of  molding 

sand  from  pit  of 82 

pits  of 127-128,  156 

Commonwealth  Silica  Company,  pit 

of 124 

Conneaut,    Ohio,   tests  on   molding 

sands  from 163,  172 

Consumer's  Gravel  Company,  mold- 
ing sand  deposit  of 127 

pit  of 157 

Cooperation    between    foundrymen 

and  sand  producer 18-19 

Cook  County,  molding  sand  deposits 

in 110,  151 

test  on  molding  sands  in 166 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Core  sand,  deposits  of 

122,  128,  139,  146,  147,  148 

County  reports  and  results  of  tests .  95-174 

Crane  Company,  sample  of  molding 

sand  from 163 

Crescent  Silica  Company,  pit  of .  .  .      125 

Crystal  Lake,  molding  sand  deposit 

near 127 

Custer  Park,  molding  sand  deposits 

near 146,  161-162 


D 


Dallas  City,  molding  sand  deposits 

near 114-115,  152 

Daniels,  John,  molding  sand  pit  of.  .      121 

Datta,  R.  S.,  assistance  of 19 

Davidson,  G.  A.,  Company,  pits  of.      146 


INDEX—  Continued 


111 


PAGE 

Davis,    T.    B.    and    S.    S.,    fineness 
graphs   of   molding  sand   from 

pit  of 79 

microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  pit  of 80 

pit  of 138,  159 

Decatur    Malleable    Iron    Company, 
sample  of  molding  sand  from.  .      162 

Definition  of  molding  sand 20 

DeKalb  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in Ill 

Deposition,  agents  of .  .  . 56-57 

Desplaines  Valley,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 146 

Dietert,  H.  W.,  assistance  of 19 

Disruption,  effect  of 55-56 

Duckman,     Erne     H.,    sample     of 

molding  sand  submitted  by.  .  .      151 
Dundee,  molding  sand  deposits  near     119 
Dune    molding   sand    deposits,    de- 
scription of 62-64,  99 

Dunes,  agents  producing 61 

DuPage  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in Ill 

DuPage  Valley,    molding  sand   de- 
posits in 146-147 

Durability  of  molding  sand,  classifi- 
cation based  on 93 

relation  to  origin 67-68 

value  of  testing  for 17-18,  32-34 

Dye  absorption,  relation  to  origin .  .        68 
value  of 41 


Eagle  Foundry  Company,   samples 

of  molding  sand  from 151,  153 

i>atL  Alton,  core  sand  deposit  near.  128 
East  Moline,  loess  deposits  near.  .  138-139 
Edwards,  fineness  graph  of  molding 

sand  from  deposit  near 79 

microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  deposit  near 81 

molding  sand  deposits  near 

132-133,  157-158,  174 

Eileen,  molding  sand  deposits  near.  112 
Einsweiler,  Frank  and  Sons,  molding 

sand  deposits  of 117-118,  155 

Elco,  ganister  deposits  near 100 

Electric  Wheel  Company,  sample  of 

sand  from 100,  148-149,  150 

Elgin,  molding  sand  deposit  near. . .      119 


Engineering  Experiment  Station,  co- 
operation of 17 

Enterprise  Foundry  Company,  sam- 
ple of  molding  sand  from.  .  .  106,  149 

Excavation  of  sand,  methods  of. .  .  .71-73 


Fancher,  molding  sand  deposits  near 

160,  174 

Fayette  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits of  64,  65,  66,  100-106,  151-152 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 166 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 60 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Fenton,  molding  sand  deposits  near 

. 144-145,  161,  174 

Fineness,  definition  of 21-22 

effects  of 49 

relation  to  origin 66-67 

Fineness  pyramids,  use  of 22 

Flagg    Center,    molding    sand    de- 
posits near 132 

Fluvio-glacial   deposits,    description 

of 61,  64-66,  99 

Foundries,  distribution  of 13-14,  15 

visited 17 

Fox  River,  silica  sand  in  valley  of .  .      122 
Frank  Foundries,  sample  of  molding 

sand  from 103-105,  149,  152,  159 

Friend,    S.    H.,    molding    sand    de- 
posit on  farm  of 126 

Friesen    Molding    Sand    Company, 

pits  of 128 


Galbraith,  J.  T.,  molding  sand  de- 
posit of 114,  153 

Galena,  molding  sand  deposits  near     155 

Gallatin  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in Ill,  152 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 166 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Ganister  deposit  near  Elco,  descrip- 
tion of 100 

Garden  City  Sand  Company,  fine- 
ness graph  of  molding  sand  from 
pit  of 82 


178 


INDEX— Continued 


PAGE 
microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  pit  of S3 

pits  of.  105-106,  118,  126,  144,  157,  161 
Gears  Ferry,  molding  sand  deposits 

near 117 

Gem  City  Stove  Company,  sample 

of  molding  sand  from 153 

Geneseo,  molding  sand  deposits  near 

115-116 

Geology  of  molding  sands 54-69 

Gladstone,  fineness  graph  of  mold- 
ing sand  from  pit  near 82 

molding  sand  deposit  near .  112-1 14,  153 
Golden  and  Larson,  fineness  graph 

of  molding  sand  from  pit  of . . .  .        82 

pits  of 107,  150 

Graham,  W.  H.,  molding  sand,  de- 
posit of 114,  153 

Gray ville,  sand  deposits  near.  142,  160,  174 
Greenlee  Brothers,  sample  of  sand 

from 105,  149,  162,  163 

Green  River,  fineness  graph  of  mold- 
ing sand  from  deposit  near ....        79 

molding  sand  deposits  near 

115,  116,  154,  173 

Greenville,    molding   sand    deposits 

near 105-106 

thickness  of  drift  in  coal  boring  at       65 
Grundy  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 11 1-112 

Grundy,  Len,  pit  operated  by 146 


H 


Hancock  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 62,  112-115,  152 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 166 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

Hank,  Peter,  molding  sand  deposits 

of 128,  156-157 

Hanzinga,  Harry,  sand  deposits  on 

property  of 144,  161 

Henderson    County,    molding    sand 

deposits  in 62,  63,  64,  112,  153 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 166-167 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

Henry,  molding  sand  deposit  near.  . 

130,  156-157,  173 

Henry    County,    molding   sand    de- 
posits in 62,  115-116,  153-154 

tests  on  molding  sands  in  .  .  .      167-168 


PAGE 

undeveloped  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 173 

Hettinger,  Peter,  pit  of 121,  155 

Higbee    Canyon    Sand     Company, 

sand  pit  of 124,  156 

Hillsdale,  loess  deposits  near 139 

Homberg,    molding    sand    deposits 

near 59,  133,  135,  158-159,  174 

Honey  Creek  Station,  molding  sand 

deposit  near 130-132,  157,  174 

Houghland   and   Hardy,   sample  of 

molding  sand  from 162 

Howe,  Forest,  molding  sand  deposit 

of 160 


I 


Illinois  Molding  Sand  and  Material 

Company,  pit  of 147 

Illinois  Valley,  loess  in 62 

Illinois  Valley  Silica  Company,  pit  of     124 
International   Harvester   Company, 

sample  of  molding  sand  from.  .      155 
International  Silica  Company,  gan- 

ister  deposits  of 100 


Jackson  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 64,  117,  154-155 

test  on  molding  sands  in 168 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Jo  Daviess  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 62,  64,  117-118,  155 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 168 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

John  Deere  Harvester  Works,  sam- 
ple of  molding  sand  from.. .  .  154,  159 
Junction,  molding  sand  deposit  near 

152,  173 


Kane    County,    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 62,  64,  118-121,  155 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 168 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

Kendall  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 62,  121-122,  156 


INDEX — Continued 


179 


PAGE 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 168 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Kennedy,  R.  E.,  cooperation  of .  .  .  .        19 
Keyesport,  sample  of  molding  sand 

from 151 

Knox,  Clare,  molding  sand  deposit 

of ..144,  161 


Laboratory  work  on  molding  sand.  17-18 
Lake    County,    molding    sand    de- 
posits of 122 

Larson  and  Larson,  fineness  graph  of 

molding  sand  from  pit  of 82 

Larson  and  Larson  Sand  Company, 

pits  of 145,  161 

La  Salle  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 64,  122-125,  156 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 168 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Lawrence  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 62,  63,  125-126,  156 

test  on  molding  sands  in 168 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Lawrenceville,     molding    sand    de- 
posits near 125-126,  156,  173 

Lay,  pits  operated  by . 109,  150 

Lee  County,  molding  sand  deposits 

in .  .      126 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Leighton,  M.  M.,  cooperation  of .  .  .        19 
Lily    Lake,    molding    sand    deposit 

near 121 

Loess,  agents  producing 61 

deposits  of 18,  66,  95-98 

distribution  of 61-62,  138-139 

Lomax,  molding  sand  deposits  near.      114 
Long,  O.  J.,  fineness  graph  of  mold- 
ing sand  from  pit  of 79 

microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  deposit  of 81 

pit  of 139,  160 

Louis,  Henry,  molding  sand  on  farm 

of 110 


M 


McHenry  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 64,  126-127,  157 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 169 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

McKinney  Brothers,  pit  of 102,  152 

Madison  County,  glacial  till  in ...  .       65 

molding  sand  deposit  in 

62,  127-128,  156 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 168 

Marseilles  plant,  sample  of  molding 

sand  from 153 

Marshall  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 64,  128-130,  156-157 

test  on  molding  sands  in 169 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 173 

Mattes,  J.,  description  of  prospective 

pit  of 102 

Mazon  River,  molding  sand  in  ter- 
races of 112 

Methods  of  investigation 16-18 

Milan,    fineness   graph    of    molding 

sand  from  deposit  near 79 

microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  deposit  near 80 

molding  sand  deposits  near. . .  .  138,  160 
Millington,  molding  sand  pit  near.  .  122 
Millsdale,    molding    sand    deposits 

near 146 

Mississippi  Valley,  loess  in 18,  62 

Mixing  of  molding  sand,  value  of .  .    .    74 
Moisture  content  of  molding  sand, 

determination  of 26,  40,  41 

Molding  sand,  accumulation  of . .  .  .55-57 

bond  strength  test  of 24-30 

classification  of 75-94 

clayey  bands  in 59-60 

cohesiveness  test  of 26-29 

definition  of 20 

determination   of   physical   prop- 
erties of 20 

durability  tests  of 32-34 

effect  of  mixing  of 74 

factors  affecting  value  of 70 

geology  of 54-69 

laboratory  work  on 17-18 

method  of  sampling 20 

methods  of  production 71-74 


180 


INDEX—  Cont  inued 


PAGE 

moisture  content  of 26 

origin  of 54-69 

permeability  tests  of 34-39 

physical  properties  of 20-53,  66-69 

production  of 15 

prospecting  for 70-71 

resources,  estimate  of 17 

samples  of 13-14,  17 

tempering  of 24-26 

tests  on... 13-14,  165-172 

Moline,  loess  deposits  near 138-139 

Moline  Plow  Company,  sample  of 

molding  sand  from 154 

Monmouth    Stone    Company,    fine- 
ness   graph    of    molding    sand 

from  pit  of 82 

microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  pits  of 84 

pits  of 112-114,  153 

Moore,  E.  H.,  molding  sand  deposit 

owned  by 119 

Morrison,  molding  sand  deposit  near     144 

Mud  Island,  sand  in 137 

Mulberry  Grove,  molding  sand  de- 
posits near 103-105,  152 

Muncie,  sand  deposits  near 140 


N 


National  Malleable  Company,  sam- 
ple of  molding  sand  from 151 

National  Malleable  and  Steel  Cast- 
ing Company,  sample  of  mold- 
ing sand  from 163 

National  Silica  Company,  pit  of. .  .  .      132 
Natural-bonded  molding  sands,  ac- 
cumulation of 55-57 

age  of 54 

classification  of 75-94 

estimation  of  resources  of 18 

production  of 15 

Newcastle,  Indiana,  tests  on  mold- 
ing sands  from 163,  172 

Newport,  Kentucky,  test  on  mold- 
ing sands  from 163,  172 

Nicol,  G.,  and  Son,  description  of 

molding  sand  pit  of 106 

fineness   graph    of    molding   sand 

from  pit  of 82 

microphotograph  of  sand  from  pit 

of 77 

pits  of 109-110,  149,  150-151 


PAGE 

Nordmann,  E.  F.,  assistance  of 19 

North    Aurora,    molding   sand    pits 

near 119 


O 


Oberlaender,  C.  E.  Company,  equip- 
ment of 73 

molding  sand  deposits  of 

115-116,  153-154 

Ogle  County,  molding  sand  deposits 

in 64,  130-132,  157 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 169 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 174 

Optimum   water  content,   effect   of 

relative  fineness  on 49 

relation  to  classification 86-87 

Oregon,  molding  sand  deposits  near 

130-132,  157,  174 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posit near 77 

Origin  of  molding  sands 54-69 

relation  to  type 87-91 

Ottawa,  reserves  of  silica  sand  near.      125 

silica  sand  deposits  near 122 

Ottawa  Silica  Company,  pit  of .  .  .  .      125 
Ottawa  silica  sand,  tests  on . . .  .45-49,  50 
Ottawa  Steel  Sand   Molding  Com- 
pany, pit  of 124 


Parmelee,  C.  W.,  cooperation  of 19 

Pekin,  molding  sand  deposits  near 

140,  160,  174 

Peoria    County,    molding   sand   de- 
posits in. . . .63,  64,  132-133,  157-158 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 169 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 174 

Permeability,  calculation  of 40-41 

effect  of  relative  fineness  on 49 

factors  influencing 41,  49,  50,  91 

function  of 34 

relation  to  origin 68 

tests  for 34-39 

Peters,  molding  sand  deposits  near.      128 
Peterson,  W.  M.,  and  Sons,  pits  of 

105,  149 

Pettifers  Island,  molding  sand  on.  .      137 


I NDEX — Continued 


18 


PAGE 

Piscasaw  Creek,  molding  sand  in  ter- 
races of 106-107 

Pit,  methods  of  operating 73 

Pits  producing  molding  sand,  distri- 
bution of 13—14 

Plainfield,    molding    sand    deposits 

near 146-147 

Piano  Cement  Products  Company, 

pit  of 122 

Piano,  molding  sand  deposits  near. 

121-122,  156,  173 

Plasticity  of  clay,  effect  of 23 

Piatt,  J.  A.,  molding  sand  deposit  of 

100,  148-149 

Pleistocene  deposits,  origin  of 54-55 

Pope    County,    molding    sand    de- 
posits in.  ....  .63,  64,  133-135,  158-159 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 1 69 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 174 

Port  Byron,  loess  deposits  near. .  .  138-139 

Possible  grades,  explanation  of 17 

Pottstown,    molding   sand    deposits 

near 132-133,  158,  174 

Prison  Farm,  molding  sand  deposit 

on 102,  151,  173 

Produced  grades,  explanation  of 17 

Producers'  grade  classification,   ex- 
planation of 17 

Production  of  molding  sand ....  15,  71-74 
Properties  of  natural-bonded  mold- 
ing sands 20-53 

Prospecting  of  molding  sands 70-71 

Pulaski  County,   molding  sand  de- 
posits in 135,  159 

test  on  molding  sand  deposit  in.  .      170 
Purity    Molding    Sand    Company, 

equipment  of 73 

fineness   graph   of   molding   sand 

from  pit  of.  .  . 79 

pits  of 114-115,  152,  153 

Purpose  of  the  report 16 

Putthennery,  George,  pit  of 148 


Quad    City    Foundrymen's    Associ- 
ation, cooperation  of 19 

Quincy,  molding  sand  deposits  near.      100 


Randolph  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 135,  159 


PAGE 

test  on  molding  sands  in 169 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 174 

Refractoriness,  effects  of 53 

relation  to  origin 68 

Reynolds,    E.    J.,   Silica   Company, 

pit  of 125 

Rice,  molding  sand  deposits  near.  . 

118,  155,  173 

Richardson,  J.  H.,  molding  sand  de- 
posits on  farm  of 119 

Ridgeway,    Pennsylvania,    test    on 

molding  sands  from 163,  172 

Ritchey,  fineness  graph  of  molding 

sand  from  pit  near 82 

molding  sand  deposits  near.  .  .  .  145-146 

Riverside  Sand  Company,  pits  of.  . 

145,  161-162 

Riverton,     molding    sand    deposits 

near 139 

Rockford,  core  sand  near 148 

Rock  Island,  loess  deposits  near.  .  138-139 

Rock  Island  County,  loess  in 62 

molding  sand  deposits  in 

63,  64,  135-139,  159-160 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 170 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in ...  .        59 

Rock  Island  Molding  Sand  Com- 
pany, molding  sand  deposit  of . 
137,  138,  159,  160 

Rock  Island  Stove  Company,  sam- 
ple of  molding  sand  from 162 

Rockton,  molding  sand  deposit  near 

147-148 

Rockton   Molding  Sand   Company, 

equipment  of 72-73 

pits  of 146,  147-148,  162 

Rock  Valley,  loess  in 62 

Roscoe,  molding  sand  deposits  near.      148 

Rossville,  sand  deposits  near 140-142 

Round  Grove,  molding  sand  de- 
posits near 144,  161 


St.  Clair  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 62,  65,  139,  160 

test  on  molding  sands  in 170 

St.  Peter  sandstone,  deposits  of.  .  122-124 
Sampling  methods,  importance  of .  .  20 
Sand   Ridge,   molding  sand  deposit 

near 112,  117,  154-155,  173 


182 


INDEX — Continued 


PAGE 

Sangamon  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 139,  160 

test  on  molding  sands  in 170 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 174 

Saunders,  W.  M.,  assistance  of 19,  43 

Sears,  molding  sand  pit  near 138 

Shawneetown,  molding  sand  deposits 

near Ill 

Shelby   County,    molding   sand   re- 
sources of 64,  160 

test  on  molding  sands  in 170 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 174 

Silica  sand,  deposits  of 15,  122-125 

Silt  in  molding  sand,  effect  of. ....  . 

30-32,  33-34,44-45 

Silvis,  molding  sand  deposits  near.  .      138 

Simpson,  molding  sand  deposit  near 

142,  161,  174 

Size  grade  distribution,  definition  of       21 
effect  of 44-45,  50-52 

Slope-mantle  molding  sand  deposits, 

description  of 62,  98-99 

Spaulding,    molding    sand    deposits 

near ..139,  160,  174 

Sperry  Company,  molding  sand  pits 

of 119,  155 

Squier,  E.  B.,  Company,  micropho- 

tograph  of  sand  from  pit  of 78 

pit  of 105,  128,  149 

Standard    Base    Permeability  Test, 

description  of 44 

Standard  Bond  Strength  Test,  de- 
scription of . . . 24-30 

Standard   Durability  Test,  descrip- 
tion of 33 

Standard  Dye  Adsorption  Test,  de- 
scription of 41-43 

Standard  Fineness  Test,  description 

of 21-22 

Standard     Permeability    Test,     de- 
scription   of 34-41 

State  Prison  farm,  molding  sand  de- 
posit on 102,  151 

Steel  molding  sand,  production  of .  .        15 

Stevens,  H.,  abandoned  pit  of 154 

Stewall,  B.  B.,  molding  sands  from 

farm  of 118 

Strapman,     E.     F.,    description     of 

molding  sand  pit  of 100 


PAGE 

Streadle  siding,  core  sand  deposits 

near 139 

Stream-terrace  molding  sand  de- 
posits, description  of 99 

Stultz,  Eugene,  molding  sand  pit  of 

102-103,  152 

T 

Tamalco  District,  molding  sand  pits 

in 106 

Tamms    Silica    Company,    ganister 

deposits  of 100 

Tazewell  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits of 63,  64,  140,  160 

test  on  molding  sands  in 170 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 174 

Tempering  of  sand 24-26,  39-40 

Terraces,  description  of 61,  64 

Tests  of  bond  strength,  method  of. .  24-30 

Transportation,  description  of 56 

Tri-City  Malleable  Company,  sam- 
ple of  molding  sand  from 162 

Type  I,  description  of  molding  sand 

comprising 75-84 

Type    II,    description    of    molding 

sand  comprising 85 

Type    III,    description    of    molding 

sand  comprising 85-86 


U 


Undeveloped  molding  sand  de- 
posits of  Illinois,  classification 
of 163-164,  173-174 

Union  Malleable  Company,  sample 

of  molding  sand  from 154 

United  States  Bureau  of  Standards, 

series  of  sieves  used  by 22 

United  States  Silica  Company,  pit  of     125 

Utica  Fire  Sand  Company,  pit  of..  .      124 


Vandalia,     molding    sand    deposits 

near 102-103,  152 

Van  Wicklin,  J.  G.,   molding  sand 

pits  of 119,  155 


INDEX — Continued 


183 


PAGE 


Vermilion  County,  molding  sand  de- 
posits in 140-142 

Vogel,  Frank,  molding  sand  deposits 

worked  by 118-119,  155 


W 


Wabash  River,  deposits  of  molding 

sand  along 63,  111,  141 

Warren  Sand  Company,  pit  of ....  . 

103-105,  149 

Waukegan,  core  sand  deposits  near.      122 

Weathering  of  sand,  effect  of 57-60 

Wedron,     natural-bonded     molding 

sand  near 125,  173 

Wedron  Silica  Company,  pit  of .  .  .  .      125 
Western  Foundry  Company,  sample 

of  molding  sand  from 163 

Westervilt,  Jesse,  fineness  graph  of 

molding  sand  from  pit  of . ....  .       82 

microphotograph  of  molding  sand 

from  pit  of 83 

pit  of ...71,  107,  150 

White    County,    molding   sand    de- 
posits in 63,  141,  161 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 170 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in 174 


PAGE 

Whiteside  County,  loess  in 62 

molding  sand  resources  in 

62,  141-145,  161 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 171 

undeveloped    molding    sand    de- 
posits in . 1 74 

Will  County,  molding  sand  deposits 

in 62,  63-64,  145-147,  161-162 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 171 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

Willow  Springs,    molding  sand   de- 
posits near 110 

Wilmington,   molding  sand  deposit 

near 146 

Winnebago   County,    molding   sand 

deposit  in 62,  147-148,  162 

tests  on  molding  sands  in 171 

thickness  of  molding  sand  in 59 

Woburn,  gravel  in  wells  near 66 

Worm,  William,  pit  of 132,  158 

Wyanet,  fineness  graph  of  molding 

sand  from  pit  near 82 


Zanesville,  Ohio,  tests  on  molding 

sands  from 163,  172 


Si 

|H 

111 


1 


lb 


